Former Liverpool player Sebastian Leto in intensive care after barbell fell on his head in freak training ground accident

The 28-year-old Leto was signed for Liverpool in 2007

Sebastian Leto in action for Liverpool during a pre-season friendly in July 2008 (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Liverpool player Sebastian Leto will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours after a freak accident in the gym left the striker, who now pays for Lanus in his native Argentina, in intensive care.

Leto, who is on loan from Italian club Catania, was hit on the head by a piece of exercise equipment, fracturing his skull.

He was initially sent home, before attending hospital where the extent of the injury was assessed, and he was then placed in intensive care.

Now, the Argentinian club have confirmed the player - who is in a stable condition - is set for surgery.

Reports in Argentina today suggest his life is not in danger but his recovery will take four to six months.

"Yesterday, Sebastian Leto, during routine work in the gym, suffered an accident with head trauma, leaving a wound in his scalp," the club said in a statement.

"He was treated at the club, [however] an hour after consultation with the medical team he complained of a headache and was evaluated again.

"After the evaluation it was decided he should attend hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured skull.

Sebastian Leto (right) in action for Catania last May (GETTY IMAGES)

"He was assessed by a neurological team who confirmed the fracture.

"He was then evaluated by Dr. Cristian Fuster who decided he needed surgical treatment, which take place within the next 48 hrs."

Leto, 28. was signed for Liverpool by Rafa Benitez for £1.8m in 2007 and made four competitive appearances for the club - before leaving to join Olympiakos on loan the following year after problems securing a work permit.

He completed a permanent move away from Liverpool in 2009, when he signed for Panathinaikos for £3m.