Liverpool Ladies goalkeeper Danielle Gibbons has undergone surgery to remove a benign brain tumour, the club have announced.
The 22-year-old was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma in January, and had the operation earlier this week.
She now faces a number of months recovering from the operation, but is hoping to return in time to feature in the Reds' UEFA Women's Champions League campaign later in the year.
Liverpool Ladies manager Matt Beard told the club's website: "Both myself and the players have known about Danielle's tumour for a while but have kept it to ourselves at the request of Danielle and her family.
"As a club we are ensuring that Danielle gets the support she needs and we look forward to her making a speedy recovery and returning to the team."
Source: PA
