Former Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer is set to undergo a liver transplant after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
The 42-year-old was sent for tests in hospital earlier this week and results have discovered that Dyer has a problem with his liver and needs a transplant.
Dyer, who retired from playing in 2013 after a short spell with Middlesbrough, has been struggling with liver issues for the past few years.
He has dealt with them whilst managing Ipswich Town Under 23s, with Dyer often taking a backroom role on first-team matchdays to assist Paul Cook.
But the ex-West Ham United man has been dealt a setback in his career and revealed that he needs a liver procedure in a statement on the official Ipswich club website.
"Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a condition of the liver a couple of years ago that would lead to me one day needing a transplant," Dyer said. "Over the next week, test results will confirm when I need to go through this procedure.
"I'm very grateful to the club, the supporters and the general public for their messages of support over the past week. I see myself as a very positive person that will overcome this minor setback.
"I would like to ask everyone now to respect my privacy, and my family's privacy."
Dyer suffered a collapsed lung while taking part in reality TV show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last month.
During his career, Dyer spent eight years at Newcastle, making over 250 appearances, scoring 36 times.
