Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of a Champions League spot, after Lucas Leiva was passed fit to return to full training.
The Brazilian hasna t featured for the Reds since he was forced off with a thigh injury in the 16th minute in the Merseyside derby at Goodison on February 7.
Since then Liverpool have collected 15 points from 5 games and are right on the tail of Manchester United , who are 2 points ahead of them in 4th place.
However, six weeks on Lucas has now rejoined Brendan Rodgers squad and is ready to help the Reds in their pursuit of a Champions League spot and FA Cup glory.
Brendan Rodgers is yet to decide wether Lucas will be involved in Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester United at Anfield ,but considering his lengthy spell on the sidelines and with Joe Allen’s stellar performance against Swansea it looks highly unlikely that Rodgers would be teampted to throw in the Brazilian and risking an relapse of the injury.
A more likely fixture for Lucas to return to first team action would be against Arsenal at the Emirates on Easter Saturday.
Lucas was overlooked by Rodgers earlier in the season ,but with Rodgers shifting to a back 3, Lucas was a constant name on the teamsheet, Lucas had played a key role in Liverpoola s resurgence prior to his injury setback with his wealth of experience providing protection for the three-man backline until an injury in his thigh forced him off the pitch at Goodison Park in the Merseyside Derby on 7th February.
Having Lucas available significantly strengthens Rodgersa midfield options.With Steven Gerrard now available, after his cameo in the game against Swansea, Rodgers now has all his midfielders fit and ready to fire.With Jose Enrique and Jon Flangan also back in training, the Redsa casualty list has cleared up as they enter a crucial run of fixtures,as the race for the top 4 looks all set to go down to the wire.
In the absence of the 28-year-old Brazilian and captain Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson have formed a successful midfield double act.But with the Brazilian now ready to return to first team action, it will give Rodgers the luxury of placing Jordan Henderson or Steven Gerrard higher up the pitch , which would suit their Game perfectly without having to think about the defensive duties , which would be carried out by the returning Brazilian.