Rafael Benitez has confirmed that centre back Daniel Agger is on the road to a full recovery after undergoing surgery on his troublesome metatarsal.

The Norwegian 23 year old has been sidelined with the injury since September and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Rafa Benitez told the official website ‘I have been talking with the doctors and with Daniel and he is okay.’

‘He has more confidence now that the operation is over. He was feeling pain in his foot and so we decided to have the operation.

‘The doctors have told me that in a normal situation his season is finished but that he will be back for next season. If he improves quickly and makes good progress then he could play before the end of this season, but I think we will wait for next year. It will be like having a new signing when he is back.

‘I know he is happier now. He has been trying so hard to get back fit again but now he can look forward to next season knowing it will be a different situation for him.’