Stephen Warnock is expected to miss the reds' first few pre-season games and will undergo a minor operation in the next few days to remove some scar tissue. The combative left back, who has been re-assured by Rafa Benitez that he is still in his plans despite the arrival of Fabio Aurellio, has been suffering from stiffness after training sessions since reporting back for pre-season. The problem was diagnosed as scar tissue from a hernia operation he underwent a couple of years ago when he was on loan at Coventry, and he has targetted the club's trip to a Swiss training camp at the end of July for his return to action. TLW