Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has said that he is looking to return to the first-team action as soon as possible. The Brazilian midfielder has been absent from the first-team in the second half of the season. He has been a major miss for Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish in the hopes of finishing in the top four, which would have provided them the opportunity to take part in the Champions League after two seasons without the top-level European football. However, it has been recently revealed that Lucas Leiva is close to returning to full fitness, which will allow him to take part in the pre-season tour for Liverpool.

Lucas Leiva was injured in a league cup match with Chelsea back in December. He has been recuperating from the injury for the last six months. He has recently revealed that he is close to returning to full fitness. Even though he has been criticised by the Liverpool fans in the past, Lucas Leiva was extremely influential in the Liverpool team during the first half of the campaign. The Brazil international was a £ 5 million signing by Rafael Benitez back in 2007. He has made more than 120 appearances for the club in the last few seasons.

"I'm in the final stage of my recovery. I've been recovering for six months. I am currently in the physical stage, aiming to be back for pre-season, so that I can be back on the pitch as soon as possible," said Lucas Leiva in an interview given to the Liverpool news website. The 25-year-old is once again expected to be a key member of the Liverpool team especially given that the fitness of Steven Gerrard is once again likely to be a major issue. The 32-year-old is coming to the end of his glittering career.