"Harry is currently undergoing treatment in hospital following a surgical procedure," the club said on their Web site after reports that the forward had been suffering from gout.

"He is expected to make a complete recovery and should be able to resume training in approximately six weeks' time."

FA Cup winners Liverpool kick off the season with the Community Shield against champions Chelsea [ Images ] in Cardiff on Aug. 13 before their first premier league match at promoted Sheffield United on Aug. 19.

Kewell was man of the match in Australia's [ Images ] 2-2 draw with Croatia [ Images ] in Germany [ Images ] last month that took his team into the second round of the World Cup for the first time.

He then missed Australia's subsequent defeat to Italy [ Images ]. Team mates said he had been suffering from gout.