Gerrard in shoulder KO fear - Kop skipper Steven still recovering after op

SHOULDERING ON ... Steven Gerrard may be ruled out of the start of next season after surgery

STEVEN GERRARD is in a race against time to be fit for next season and could miss England’s crucial two World Cup qualifiers.

The Liverpool captain had a shoulder operation before the end of the last campaign.

But Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson From Back Page fears his skipper could struggle to make the home game with Moldova on September 6 and the massive clash away to Ukraine four days later.

Gerrard, 33, who missed the recent friendlies with the Republic of Ireland and Brazil, went under the knife in a bid to be fit for his club’s pre-season matches.

He was expected to be sidelined for eight weeks but there is now a worry he may be out for longer than expected.

Gerrard’s Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge is also being monitored by club and country after injuring an ankle on international duty during the 2-2 draw against Ireland at Wembley last week.

The striker, 23, is still wearing a protective boot and may even need an operation if his problem does not improve.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling also missed England’s last two friendlies and has given Hodgson equal cause for concern, as he rates the former Fulham star highly.

Smalling, 23, needed an operation on his foot and is in a race against time to be fit for the start of the season.