Lucas

[Mostar]

Pissflaps.

We can forget 4th this season. What was a very difficult task has become mission impossible.

I disagree.

We almost made into top 4,5 last year with significantly weaker squad (Carroll didn't play, Stevie was injured, no LB, issues with CB etc.) when no one thought we could even come close.

if the news about Lucas is as bad as speculations indicate I don't doubt that we will be looking to improve in January cause no one knows if he'll be the same player after the injury.

Another striker and DM/Box-to-box type of CM in January and imo we should stay in the mix for top 4.

[Shaggy]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/30/liverpool-lucas-cruciate-ligament-injury?CMP=twt_gu

Liverpool's Lucas fears scan will reveal cruciate ligament injury

• Midfielder carried off in Carling Cup win at Chelsea
• Liverpool recall Jonjo Shelvey from Blackpool as cover

Andy Hunter
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 30 November 2011 19.22 GMT

Liverpool are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a scan on Lucas Leiva's knee, amid concerns the influential midfielder could be out for the rest of the season.

The Brazil international was carried off on a stretcher minutes from the end of Liverpool's Carling Cup quarter-final victory at Chelsea on Tuesday night, following a collision with Ryan Bertrand. His manager, Kenny Dalglish, refused to speculate on the extent of the injury after the 2-0 win, and the 24-year-old is not expected to have the scan until Thursday. However, Lucas, who remains on crutches, fears he has suffered serious damage to the knee and that he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His season could be over if the scan confirms a ruptured cruciate ligament and a six-month recovery period.

Lucas's form and reputation has been transformed at Liverpool in the past two seasons and his loss would be a major setback to Dalglish, as his side look to build on two impressive wins at Stamford Bridge in nine days plus the encouraging home performance against Manchester City on Sunday.

Far from the maligned figure of Rafael Benítez's final year in charge at Anfield, Lucas is now recognised as an invaluable member of the Liverpool team and has been virtually ever-present under Dalglish. With Steven Gerrard absent with an ankle problem, and not in line for an imminent return, plus Alberto Aquilani on loan at Milan, the possible long-term absence of Lucas would heighten responsibility on his fellow midfielders Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Jay Spearing to maintain Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League qualification.

With numbers potentially light in central midfield, Liverpool have taken the precaution of recalling Jonjo Shelvey from his successful loan spell at Blackpool. The 19-year-old scored six goals in nine Championship appearances for Ian Holloway's side, including a hat-trick in the 5-0 defeat of Leeds United, but has returned to Anfield as a consequence of Lucas's injury.

The Blackpool manager said: "Obviously this is a setback to us as Jonjo has done ever so well in his short time with us. We knew that Liverpool had the recall option on him and it is only the unfortunate injury to Lucas that has prompted them to take this course of action."

Holloway has not ruled out re-signing Shelvey on loan when the transfer window reopens. He added: "We will be in regular contact with Liverpool about trying to bring him back in January should Liverpool's injuries clear up."

[BringbackBiscan]

I disagree.

We almost made into top 4,5 last year with significantly weaker squad (Carroll didn't play, Stevie was injured, no LB, issues with CB etc.) when no one thought we could even come close.

if the news about Lucas is as bad as speculations indicate I don't doubt that we will be looking to improve in January cause no one knows if he'll be the same player after the injury.

Another striker and DM/Box-to-box type of CM in January and imo we should stay in the mix for top 4.

Aye

Snap statement made when I just heard the news. Gutted. for the lad

[Craig_H]

Hasnt he had the scan today? In which case, why do we still not know the outcome?

[Mostar]

What a shame, he will be really missed. One of our most conistent performers.

Looks like Spearings big chance, I think he will take the place for a couple of games considering the way he played against Chelsea.

Good move recalling Shelvey, leaves us at the same coverage for the position.

Jay proved it that he is good enough to be a squad player but I am not sure that you can expect him to take over Lucas job regularly.

He is good back up option but I cannot see Jay being a first team DM.

We need better imo if we want to get in CL next year

[Mostar]

Neither is Jonjo, although he's the better option.

None of theme are ready to step in full time atm.

We need to go out and buy ourselves a player that can provide an instant impact.

[G]

Hasnt he had the scan today? In which case, why do we still not know the outcome?

He stayed in London last night.Has only arrived back in Liverpool this evening

[Craig_H]

We have scanning machines in London too

[Darkon]

Jay proved it that he is good enough to be a squad player but I am not sure that you can expect him to take over Lucas job regularly.

He is good back up option but I cannot see Jay being a first team DM.

We need better imo if we want to get in CL next year

I agree with need better for a regular starter, but I think he can do the job now that Lucas is out, and I actually have confidence in him growing with the task. He has never really gotten the chance for a good run of games, so he might have more in him.

That said we are in serious trouble if he should injured as well, so we could use a loan option in January.

[RedReet]

No world cup if true.

[Daffy Duck]

No world cup if true.

Just quoting so you won't edit.

[BringbackBiscan]

Is either Khedira or Lassana Diarra spending a lot time out of the Madrid team? They'd be an excellent six month move.

We don't really want to be going out and spunking a lot of money on a DM, who'll be second choice when Lucas regains fitness.

[Reece]

Just quoting so you won't edit.

[Reece]

Cheeky loan move for Alonso?

[RedReet]

Just quoting so you won't edit.

Eh?