Reds striker Sinama has knee surgery

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

Florent Sinama-Pongolle receives treatment before going off against Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup

FLORENT SINAMA-PONGOLLE has returned to France to undergo the knee surgery which has ruled him out until the start of next season.

Sinama has gone under the surgeon's knife in Strasbourg today having been allowed to spend time recuperating with friends and family.

The 20-year-old needs reconstructive surgery on the knee after damaging cruciate ligaments during the recent Carling Cup semi-final with Watford.

As one player prepares for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Vladimir Smicer is line to make his first Premiership start since facing Middlesbrough on May 2 last season.

Luis Garcia is suspended for the trip to Birmingham, and although Antonio Nunez is an option for manager Rafa Benitez, the winger didn't make the squad against Fulham last weekend, despite his availability after a three-match ban.

Smicer has made a sub appearance in the last two Premiership fixtures and is now pushing for a starting place.

However, Nunez says he wants a fresh opportunity to make amends for his sending off at Burnley.

"It's been very frustrating for me not being involved," he said..

"When I saw on the video what had happened at Burnley I thought that is not a three game ban but those are rules and I have to abide by them.

"I hope I can get a chance on Saturday. I think I have a lot to show the Liverpool fans."

Meanwhile, Milan Baros believes Liverpool can overhaul Everton in the race for Champions League football next season - but says that should only be a start.

"I hope that next season we will be competing with the strong trio of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and would not be fighting only for the fourth spot," he said.

"It looks that we are going in the right direction, although there are ups and downs in our results."

Baros played for the Czech Republic against Slovenia last night.

* Liverpool have rewarded 19-year-old midfielder David Mannix with a new two-and-a-half-year contract after he returned to full fitness following five knee operations.