Lucas

[SB]

LUCAS LEIVA is poised to hand Liverpool a significant injury boost by returning from injury by the end of the month.

Lucas has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury during the warm-up to the Anfield clash with Manchester City on August 25 which forced him off after only five minutes.

It was only the Brazilian’s fourth game back after cruciate knee ligament damage sustained at Chelsea last November ruled him out for the remainder of last season.

The 25-year-old has resumed work on the training pitches at Melwood and is ready to ramp up his rehabilitation.

And Brendan Rodgers is confident the midfielder will be in first-team contention ahead of schedule, well in time for the hectic festive schedule.


"Lucas has been out on the field in the last week or so which is great," said the Liverpool manager. " We’re starting to open up his running.

"He’s not doing multi- directional movements yet but he’s doing a lot of straight line running and endurance work.

"I’m anticipating maybe another three weeks but his professionalism is great and he’ll get back probably sooner than is anticipated."

The absence of Lucas and the recent three-match suspension of Jonjo Shelvey has given an extended opportunity to Nuri Sahin in midfield.
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Good news. Thnx scoop.

[Bender]

Good news. Thnx scoop.

SB

[JohnDoe]

I've never thought I'd say this but I think we'll look a side transformed when he's back 100%. We desperately need him in the team right now.

[SB]

SB

I was going to say that I didn't see that in yesterday's news but that's just not my style.

[Bender]

I was going to say that I didn't see that in yesterday's news but that's just not my style.

well you just said it anyway

[SB]

well you just said it anyway

Out loud? I thought I was just thinking it.

[RichC]

he's been a massive loss for us yet again, I just hope he gets back to the player he was prior to the knee injury against Chelsea about a year ago.

[danperkins]

Great news, slowly does it & hopefully in maybe January we will see Lucas back to his best.

[yamiedo]

I seriously hope Rodgers takes it easy with him though and doesn't throw him in the mix too early. He will need time to get back to full fitness. He probably won't be the same player for a good couple of months at least.

[danperkins]

I seriously hope Rodgers takes it easy with him though and doesn't throw him in the mix too early. He will need time to get back to full fitness. He probably won't be the same player for a good couple of months at least.

[Lents]

Worst thing we can do is throw him in again. He needs minutes here and there, intensive rehab training and basically wrapping in cotton wool. I'd rather have him back at 90% of the player he was in Jan than back end of November then out again, then back then out.

Crucial stage in his career this, and has to be managed perfectly. Big test for Brendan ok.

[danperkins]

Worst thing we can do is throw him in again. He needs minutes here and there, intensive rehab training and basically wrapping in cotton wool. I'd rather have him back at 90% of the player he was in Jan than back end of November then out again, then back then out.

Crucial stage in his career this, and has to be managed perfectly. Big test for Brendan ok.

two things okkkkk!

[Daniel 7]

gatherroundgatherround

[Gibbo]

Who do you drop for him then?

[Lee]

Who do you drop for him then?

If we're playing our strongest team I'd move Gerrard up top on the right and keep Allen, Sahin and Lucas in midfield.

Not sure what Rodgers thinks about Gerrard being pushed up so I guess Sahin is the one to miss out.

Allen and Lucas when fit have both got to start though.