Lucas picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season, but recently returned to action with the club’s second string.
Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva in action
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has said he is 100% fit and ready to play 90 minutes after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined so far.
He suffered the problem in a pre-season friendly win over Huddersfield Town in July and only recently returned to action in an under-23’s win over Arsenal’s youngsters.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Lucas Leiva celebrate at the end of the match
Lucas told the official Liverpool website: “I think I had a very good pre-season. I missed part of it but I think I’ve recovered. Now with the international break I have another two weeks to train hard and I feel very fit.
“If I had had to start the game, Spurs would probably be too early because I played 45 minutes for the U23s the day before, but if I’d have had to come on I would have been fine.
“As I said, I have two weeks to work more and be ready. I would say I’m now ready to play 90 minutes.”
Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva during training
The Brazilian was yet again linked with a move away from the club this summer, but still finds himself at Anfield. One thing Liverpool seem short of are players who can operate in a defensive midfield role. Emre Can is highly likely to be ahead of him in that particular role, but it’s a position that Liverpool aren’t exactly blessed with in terms of players who know the role and have played it for some time.
Furthermore, his time operating as a centre-back last season gives the impression that Jurgen Klopp finds him to be a useful and versatile member of the squad – and was often the man wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of others.
It will be interesting to see just how much game time Lucas gets this season as he doesn’t seem to be first choice for any position, but he could be a vital part of the Liverpool dressing room given how long he has been at the club.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Lucas Leiva
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