Gerard Houllier says he wanted Steven Gerrard to go to the World Cup finals to enable him to gain valuable experience that would naturally benefit Liverpool.
Talking about Gerrard's World Cup blow, Houllier said: "He is just so disappointed, although there is a mixed feeling from him because he is relieved the problem will finally be solved.
"Steven is a winner and wanted to be out there, but he has to handle this situation and I'm sure he will - but it is a massive blow.
"Since February he has been in and out of the team and we have tried to look after him, but now something has to be done.
"In the previous season he played 50 games. He has not played so many this time and has had to be pulled out of games for the last three months.
"For the last three months he has struggled against this. We all wanted him to go to Korea and Japan because it would have been good for his development - but sadly it will not happen now.
"As a manager, I want my young players to go and play on the World Cup stage, so we all share in what Steven is feeling.
"I wanted him to experience this tournament, and develop himself at the very highest level - but he is young and there will be other days for Stevie."