Lucas eyeing pre-season Liverpool comeback

May 31, 2012 9:00:00 PM

The Brazil international midfielder says he is in the final stage of his recovery from knee surgery and hopes to return in time for the start of the next Premier League campaign

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is hoping to feature in the club's pre-season preparations, as he nears full recovery from knee surgery.

The Brazil international has been out since the start of December after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a collision with Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand in a League Cup tie at Stamford Bridge.

He subsequently went under the knife in order to repair the tear before completing the rest of his rehabilitation in his native Brazil.

"I'm in the final stage of my recovery. I've been recovering for six months,” he explained to Brazilian TV channel Sportv.

Lucas endured a difficult start to his career on Merseyside following his arrival from Gremio in July 2007 for a fee of £5 million, but has since gone on to make 123 appearances for the club.

Despite the initial dissatisfaction with his performances, the Anfield crowd warmed significantly to the defensive midfielder last season after a string of impressive displays in the heart of the Reds’ midfield.

And the 25-year-old is now keen to complete the final phase of his long recovery in order to return to playing action.

He continued: "I am currently in the physical stage, aiming to be back for pre-season, so that I can be back on the pitch as soon as possible."

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