The 22-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate knee ligament problem during Uruguay’s 4-2 victory over Japan, and will undergo surgery in his homeland on Friday

Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates is set for a lengthy lay-off after suffering a serious knee injury on international duty.

The 22-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate knee ligament problem during Uruguay’s 4-2 victory over Japan in Saitama, having featured in the final 10 minutes after replacing Diego Godin in central defence.

And the Uruguayan FA have now confirmed that Coates will undergo surgery on Friday prior to an extended recovery period.

A statement read: “After finishing Uruguay’s friendly match against Japan on Wednesday, an injury to Sebastian Coates’ right knee was discovered for which he received an anti-inflammatory treatment.

“After communication between the Uruguayan doctors and those at Liverpool, it was decided that further examination was required in England prior to his return to Montevideo.

“The studies showed an injury anterior cruciate ligament and so it was decided that surgical treatment was necessary. It will be done on Friday in the city of San Pablo.

“The player will subsequently undergo a rehabilitation strategy that will, in part, take place in Montevideo.”

Coates made just 12 appearances for Liverpool last season after finding himself out of favour with manager Brendan Rodgers.

A close-season departure from Anfield had been mooted as a result, though his chances of sealing a switch now appear to be gone with a lengthy spell on the sidelines inevitable.