Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers confirms Lucas Leiva's return to squad

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that midfielder Lucas Leiva will be in the squad to face Southampton this weekend.

The Brazil international has been out of contention for the Reds since August after picking up a thigh injury against Manchester City.

"Lucas Leiva will return to the squad, which is great news because he's been working very, very hard and played the reserve game last week," said Rodgers.

"He's been training for a few weeks and looked very good, so we'll look forward to bringing him back in."

Meanwhile, Rodgers has claimed that the club are close to agreeing a new contract with youngster Raheem Sterling.