Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is scheduled to step up his recovery from the thigh injury he picked up in August by taking part in a behind closed doors friendly for Liverpool reserves against Middlesbrough this Friday.
Lucas, 25, has had a year to forget in 2012. Firstly he suffered a knee injury which required surgery and cost him the second half of the 2011-2012 season, and then, after working back to fitness during pre-season, he then suffered a thigh injury in August which has meant the Brazilian has played just two Premier League games this season.
However, it seem’s he is close to fitness again and Liverpool’s assistant coach Colin Pascoe revealed on Tuesday that the player may be ready to play 45 minutes on Friday if they get the green light from the medical department.
He said: “The next step will be to regain fitness in training and hopefully he can participate for 45 minutes in the reserve game on Friday.
“It’s great to see Lucas back in training. He is a good player and it’s nice to see him back.”
