Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva declares fitness for Arsenal battle

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that he feels 100% fit for Saturday's Premier League showdown against Arsenal at the Emirates.

The Brazilian has stepped up his return to action by playing 90 minutes in last weekend's All-Star charity match at Anfield.

With Steven Gerrard suspended for the encounter, Lucas, who was on the bench for Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, is likely to make an appearance this weekend.

"I feel great," Lucas told Liverpool's official website. "I was available for the Manchester United game, but probably wasn't able to play the whole game. Now I feel 100%.

"Now it's just a question of getting some minutes and training sessions, so that's what I need and what I'm having. Leading into the Arsenal game that's going to be good because I will have had three full weeks of training and I'm looking forward to it."

As well as Gerrard, the Reds will be without defender Martin Skrtel, who was handed a three-match ban for appearing to stamp on United goalkeeper David de Gea during the Anfield match on March 22.