Lucas to undergo fitness tests to determine United involvement

Liverpool FC defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva could be back in time for the side's top-four tie against Manchester United on Sunday, but will undergo late fitness tests to determine whether he will be involved.

Lucas to undergo fitness tests to determine United involvement
Lucas picked up a thigh injury against Everton on February 7, and has not featured since.
charlie-malam
By Charlie Malam

Liverpool defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva will go through late fitness tests to see whether he is clear to play against Manchester United this weekend.

The 28-year-old has been out since early February, when he was forced off in the early stages of a 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison Park with a groin injury.

The Brazilian took to Instagram to show supporters that he had returned to training at Melwood recently, but is doubtful for the tie against United.

Even if Lucas misses the game, which gives the Reds the opportunity to get back into the top four for the first time in seven months.

The midfielder was in fine form before the injury, having solidified a starting berth in Brendan Rodgers' side, but will benefit from an upcoming international break which will ensure he returns to the first-team in time for another huge clash against Arsenal.

"Lucas Leiva is back, which is great," Rodgers said at his pre-match press conference. "We'll assess him tomorrow and see where he's at."

Italian striker Mario Balotelli is also likely to return to the squad, having missed the victory at Swansea City on Monday evening with an illness.

Rodgers said: "He was ill and been off for nine days. He has just started to train in the last couple of days, but he is feeling much better.

"One or two other players are returning, so the squad is strong and in good condition."

Steven Gerrard is also back and available for Liverpool after overcoming a hamstring problem, whilst Brad Jones is also back after a thigh injury, but Jordon Ibe and Jon Flanagan are still unavailable.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.