Lucas Leiva claims that he is back to being ‘100 per cent’ fit after recovering from the hamstring injury which ruled him out of the start of the season.
Lucas sustained the injury during Liverpool’s pre-season game against Huddersfield Town at the end of July. He made his first appearance since picking up the injury for Michael Beale’s under-23 side at Arsenal last week.
The experienced Brazilian was an unused substitute against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last weekend. As always, Lucas is working diligently at Melwood.
“I’m 100 per cent I would say,” the 29-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com when quizzed about his fitness levels.
“I didn’t miss much, to be honest – I was only out for three-and-a-half weeks. I did a lot of training after that, played 45 minutes for the U23s and was on the bench the last game [at Tottenham]. I’m ready to go.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“I think I had a very good pre-season. I missed part of it but I think I’ve recovered. Now with the international break I have another two weeks to train hard and I feel very fit.”
Speaking about being Klopp including him at Spurs, Lucas added, “If I had had to start the game, Spurs would probably be too early because I played 45 minutes for the U23s the day before, but if I’d have had to come on I would have been fine.
“As I said, I have two weeks to work more and be ready. I would say I’m now ready to play 90 minutes.”
“It [the international break] gives you a lot of sessions – especially now we’re doing a few doubles as well, so it puts you in a good place in terms of fitness,” he said.
Klopp and his double training sessions…
“If players are injured they have more time and don’t miss many games. So we have to make the most of it, try to work hard and be ready for the next games.”