Lucas out for the season

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has been ruled out for the season as a result of the knee injury he suffered against Chelsea.

Midfielder suffers cruciate ligament damage and is set for surgery

Liverpool's worst fears have been confirmed after midfielder Lucas Leiva was ruled out for the season as a result of the knee injury he suffered against Chelsea. The Brazil international sustained the problem in a collision with Juan Mata in Tuesday's 2-0 Carling Cup win at Stamford Bridge and had to be stretchered off in the 70th minute. A scan has since revealed anterior cruciate ligament damage in Lucas' left knee and he is set to undergo surgery, which will rule him out for the remainder of the current campaign. The news comes as a severe blow for manager Kenny Dalglish, who on Wednesday night recalled Jonjo Shelvey from his loan at Blackpool ahead of potentially bringing Alberto Aquilani back to Anfield, following Lucas' revitalised form. Liverpool confirmed the injury in a statement on Thursday, which read: "Liverpool FC said today a scan had confirmed an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in Lucas Leiva's left knee.

Excellent form

"The Brazil international will undergo surgery and unfortunately be ruled out for the remainder of the current campaign." Having been widely criticised in his first two seasons after arriving at Anfield in 2007, Lucas has been one of Liverpool's best players over the past three years. The 24-year-old was voted the club's player of the season in 2010/11 and he had continued his excellent form, with a man of the match display in the Premier League draw with Manchester City last weekend. And Lucas said on Twitter: "Hi all. Just to confirm that I will be out until the rest of season. 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. "I am sure I'll NEVER WALK ALONE." Lucas' injury could well force Dalglish to sign a replacement in the January transfer window, while his absence could also provide an opportunity for Jay Spearing.