Ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday in the presser that midfielder Lucas Leiva could be out for a while.
Rodgers didn’t put an exact time frame about the extent of his absence, but BBC Merseyside understands Lucas could be out for 4-6 weeks, following his scan.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas could be out for between 4 to 6 weeks following scan on thigh injury picked up in Merseyside derby
— BBC Merseyside Sport (@bbcmerseysport) February 10, 2015
Lucas’s injury is a huge blow to Liverpool, as not only the Reds will miss a midfielder during this crucial phase of the season, but he was also one of the in-form players in the side.
The Brazilian aggravated his thigh injury during the Merseyside derby on Saturday and was subbed within first 16 minutes of the match.
Joe Allen, who came off the bench in the derby, is thought to be his likely replacement, but there are suggestions that Emre Can could be installed in that defensive midfield role.
Rodgers says that he will resist the temptation of pushing Can further up the pitch, as he wants to keep a settled back line.
Can, capable of playing in midfield, has shown a composed presence at the back, helping Liverpool maintain a strong defensive shape and balance.
“Lucas has been very important for us but there will be an opportunity for someone else,” Rodgers said as quoted by Liverpool Echo.
“Eventually, Can will be a player who plays further forwards and there might be games when I do think that but you also have to remember the balance of the team as well, which is very good at the moment.
“It’s four clean sheets in a row and defensively we have been very strong.
“With Emre you can see the importance of his role and the position he plays in there. He was immense at the weekend in a real physical game.
“Why disrupt that and try and fix something that could actually create another problem? The balance of the team is fine at the moment.”
Rodgers expects Sterling and Coutinho to be passed fit, while Adam Lallana could also return to the side. Jordon Ibe could retain his place in the side after his eye catching display against Everton.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
