Lucas "really sad" over injury blow

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has expressed his disappointment in suffering a long-term injury blow, but has insisted that he will "come back stronger".

The Merseyside club confirmed that the 24-year-old will miss the rest of the season following damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

"Just to confirm that I will be out until the rest of the season," Lucas wrote on Twitter. "I am really sad with the news because I was enjoying a lot on the pitch.

"I am sure I will come back stronger and I will achieve everything that I dream with the LFC shirt."

The Reds recalled midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from loan side Blackpool yesterday, which prompted speculation that Lucas would be sidelined for a long-term period.