LUCAS LEIVA will step up his Liverpool FC comeback from injury this week by taking part in his first competitive game of football – though it is unclear how far away he is to a first-team return.
The Brazilian midfielder is being lined up to play as one of the eligible over aged players in Liverpool under-21’s game against Middlesbrough on Friday.
Lucas has not played since picking up a thigh injury during August’s Premier League game with Manchester City but is closing in on a welcome return.
The 25-year-old was back in full training at Melwood last week and Reds assistant manager Colin Pascoe says it was great to see him.
But now Lucas is looking to pick up the pace in his comeback by playing for Liverpool’s second string this week before targeting a return to Brendan Rodgers’ first team squad in the coming weeks.
“The next step is getting his strength up in training and hopefully he can get 45 minutes in the reserve game on Friday,” said Pascoe.
