Rodgers: Lucas in Saints contention
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Lucas Leiva will return to the Liverpool squad for Saturday's clash with Southampton at Anfield.
The Brazil midfielder has been sidelined since August 26 due to a thigh injury, but has returned to full training at Melwood in recent weeks and turned out for the Reds' U21s against Middlesbrough last Friday.
Lucas will now come into contention for the weekend visit of the Saints, while Joe Cole will also return from injury.
Rodgers told reporters at Melwood: "The squad is fine.
"Joe Cole will come back into contention. He had a scan on an injury but that showed up fine, so he should be available again at the weekend.
"Lucas Leiva will return to the squad, which is great news because he's been working very, very hard and played the reserve game last week.
"He's been training for a few weeks and looked very good, so we'll look forward to bringing him back in.
"Other than that, the mood is very good and we're really looking forward to the game."
Lucas's return to first-team action will be greeted with delight by everyone connected with the club.
Not least Rodgers, who believes the No.21's comeback will give the team a big boost.
The boss said: "He's very much looking forward to it. He's worked tirelessly in his recovery. We're just trying to nudge him along and make sure it's the right time.
"He had a few weeks of training before he played his reserve game. He looked very capable in that game and he's had another week of training and I don't think he can go any further with regards to training.
"His next step is games, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks he'll get opportunities to play and improve his football fitness.
"Mentally he's a tough boy. His mental fitness is very strong and he's looking forward to helping the team.
"It's a big boost because he's well in tune with what we're trying to do here. He's been kicking his heels on the side wanting to help his mates and the group, so I am delighted to have him back.
"He's a good guy and has a lot to offer the team, both on and off the field, and it'll be great to have him back in the squad."
Author: @James_Carroll84
Tagged: Brendan Rodgers , Rodgers , lucas , lucas leiva , southampton
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Lucas Leiva will return to the Liverpool squad for Saturday's clash with Southampton at Anfield.
The Brazil midfielder has been sidelined since August 26 due to a thigh injury, but has returned to full training at Melwood in recent weeks and turned out for the Reds' U21s against Middlesbrough last Friday.
Lucas will now come into contention for the weekend visit of the Saints, while Joe Cole will also return from injury.
Rodgers told reporters at Melwood: "The squad is fine.
"Joe Cole will come back into contention. He had a scan on an injury but that showed up fine, so he should be available again at the weekend.
"Lucas Leiva will return to the squad, which is great news because he's been working very, very hard and played the reserve game last week.
"He's been training for a few weeks and looked very good, so we'll look forward to bringing him back in.
"Other than that, the mood is very good and we're really looking forward to the game."
Lucas's return to first-team action will be greeted with delight by everyone connected with the club.
Not least Rodgers, who believes the No.21's comeback will give the team a big boost.
The boss said: "He's very much looking forward to it. He's worked tirelessly in his recovery. We're just trying to nudge him along and make sure it's the right time.
"He had a few weeks of training before he played his reserve game. He looked very capable in that game and he's had another week of training and I don't think he can go any further with regards to training.
"His next step is games, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks he'll get opportunities to play and improve his football fitness.
"Mentally he's a tough boy. His mental fitness is very strong and he's looking forward to helping the team.
"It's a big boost because he's well in tune with what we're trying to do here. He's been kicking his heels on the side wanting to help his mates and the group, so I am delighted to have him back.
"He's a good guy and has a lot to offer the team, both on and off the field, and it'll be great to have him back in the squad."
Author: @James_Carroll84
Tagged: Brendan Rodgers , Rodgers , lucas , lucas leiva , southampton
