Lucas Leiva: 'I have had to be patient'

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has admitted that "there is still a long way to go" as he continues his comeback from serious injury.

The 25-year-old has not played since November 2011 after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury against Chelsea, but he has returned to training with the club this week.

"I'll be back at the same level that I was because I am working really hard to recover and the players that I have beside me will help me," Lucas told reporters.

"I just have to be patient again; much of my life in Liverpool has been like that. I'm still in the progress of my rehab. I've been training with the team for a few days.

"There is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done but I am very happy to be able to train and I'm looking forward to the new season. I will be trying every week to recover and to progress."

Lucas has 20 Brazilian caps to his name.