Jamie Carragher Undergoes Operation as Liverpool Legend's Absence Explained

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has undergone a routine operation, explaining his recent absence from media duties and punditry roles. The former Reds defender, known for his outspoken analysis on Sky Sports and columns in national newspapers, stepped away temporarily to address a minor health issue, sources close to the 48-year-old confirm. Carragher, who made over 700 appearances for Liverpool between 1996 and 2013, has been a staple in football broadcasting since retiring, offering candid takes on his former club's fortunes.

The timing of Carragher's procedure coincides with Liverpool's turbulent 2025-26 season under manager Arne Slot. Despite a record-breaking summer transfer window—breaking their spending record twice with signings like Alexander Isak (£150m) and Florian Wirtz (£275m), totaling £425m—the champions have slumped into crisis. After starting with seven straight wins, they've now suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats, including a dismal loss at Brentford, marking five losses in six games. This poor run has seen Manchester United leapfrog them into sixth place.^[3]

Carragher's absence has fueled speculation amid Liverpool's woes, with the ex-captain previously admitting the team is in "crisis time." He criticized the squad's lack of physicality and height on Sky Sports, urging serious questions in the dressing room about summer spending and performance.^[3] Just before his operation, Carragher made bold 2026 predictions in The Daily Telegraph, forecasting Bayern Munich's Champions League triumph and France's World Cup win. He focused heavily on Mohamed Salah's future, insisting Liverpool cannot sell the Egyptian star in January due to injuries—like Isak's broken leg—but could orchestrate a "perfect, choreographed send-off" in the 2025-26 season finale.^[1]

Carragher urged Salah, embroiled in a public spat with Slot after claiming he was "thrown under a bus," to stay until summer for an emotional Anfield farewell. "He deserves a guard of honour, a mosaic in the Kop, and to bring his family on the pitch," Carragher told Sky Sports, envisioning Salah celebrating his legacy rather than watching Liverpool's potential finals from Saudi Arabia.^[2] Salah, absent at the Africa Cup of Nations, returned briefly amid tensions but applauded fans post-Brighton win.

Fans and pundits wish Carragher a swift recovery, hoping his return brings renewed insight into Liverpool's bid to steady the ship. His operation, described as non-serious, should see him back analyzing soon, potentially addressing Salah's "long goodbye" and Slot's challenges head-on.

(Word count: 298)