Jamie Carragher undergoes operation as Liverpool legend's absence explained

Jamie Carragher has revealed he had to undergo an opration which caused him to miss his usual punditry duties for Liverpool's Premier League game against Arsenal

Jamie Carragher has revealed he underwent an operation on his knee(Image: Stick to Football)

Jamie Carragher has revealed he underwent an operation on his knee which caused him to miss covering games over the festive period.

The Liverpool legend has become a staple on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Premier League in the UK, although his absence has been notable recently, especially for the Reds’ game against Arsenal last week.

Gary Neville was left to commentate on the game on his own at the Emirates Stadium, with Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge providing punditry in the studio as Carragher watched on from home, with the former defender now revealing he’s recovering following a procedure on his knee.

During the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher was seen hobbling as he walked onto the set, with Neville asking him about his knee.

The 47-year-old revealed he had undergone an operation on his meniscus, although he told Ian Wright that nothing in particular had happened for him to want to get the procedure done.

Neville joked about Carragher’s recent absence, saying: “I realize why I got all those games over Christmas, it’s because you didn’t do any!”

Gary Neville had to step in for Jamie Carragher during his absence(Image: Stick to Football)

Former Manchester United captain Keane then asked him: “Were you not on a waiting list for your operation?”

Carragher replied: “No, straight in when you play for Liverpool!”

The former defender went into a bit more detail about the operation, revealing it was a “keyhole” procedure as he played down the possibility of it ruining a skiing trip this summer, despite Neville throwing it into doubt.

Carragher didn’t give any indication of when he might return to his usual punditry duties. The Premier League returns this weekend following the FA Cup third round last week, with four games live on Sky Sports including the Manchester derby on Saturday. Carragher could return for his usual spot on Monday Night Football, with Brighton facing Bournemouth.

Despite missing Liverpool’s game against Arsenal, the Reds legend still gave his thoughts on the goalless draw, which saw Arne Slot’s side extend its recent unbeaten run as it remains in the top four.

“A good result & a very good performance from Liverpool tonight, missing three top attackers that may have made it an excellent result!” Carragher posted on X after the game.

“Nine unbeaten is not to be sniffed at after losing 9/12 previously.”