Lucas Leiva has vowed to return to the Liverpool side as strong as ever in 2012/13, following a frustrating spell on the sidelines through injury.
Reds midfielder closing on a return to full fitness
Lucas Leiva has vowed to return to the Liverpool side as strong as ever in 2012/13, following a frustrating spell on the sidelines through injury.
The Brazil international damaged cruciate knee ligaments in November 2011, bringing his season to an abrupt halt.
It has been a long road to recovery for the midfielder, who had finally started to produce his best in a red shirt prior to being laid low.
Lucas is now considered to be an important part of the Anfield set-up and Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to have him at his disposal.
The Samba star is ready to give his all for Liverpool's new boss, with there a determination on his part to make up for lost time.
"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 the club's
official website.
"I just have to be patient again - much of my life in Liverpool has been like that.
Rehab
"I'm still in the process 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. It's still four or five weeks until the start of the season and our Europa League games, so it's still too early to say if I will be ready but I'm looking forward to starting the season and being able to play.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the players coming back from the Euros and starting the season. I think everybody is really, really excited for the new season."
He added: "The players are really happy with the way we are training and the sessions.
"We have a new manager so I think everyone will try to impress him and try to be on the team but the most important thing is to build a strong squad because we have a lot of games during the season.
"I think everyone will have a chance to prove themselves."
