Lucas Leiva has been ruled out for up to two months in a blow to Liverpool’s Champions League hopes.
The Brazilian midfielder injured his knee in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Anfield and a scan has revealed he has damaged his medial ligaments.
The injury is expected to keep Lucas sidelined for between six and eight weeks.
The news will come as a bitter blow for the 27-year-old, who was hoping to use his Liverpool form as a springboard to a call up for the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup in his homeland.
Lucas’ injury is also a setback for Brendan Rodgers and the Reds boss will be without his midfield linchpin for Tuesday’s Merseyside derby and next month’s clash with Arsenal.
The Reds head into the game with city-rivals Everton at Anfield, a point ahead of Roberto Martinez’s men following the Blues’ 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening.
Written by Steve Milne
