Updated 15.23

LIVERPOOL HAVE BEEN dealt a massive blow with the news that midfield lynchpin Lucas Leiva will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The Brazilian was stretchered off during the 2-0 Carling Cup victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night, following a collision with Ryan Bertrand.

The Daily Mail reported that the signs from a scan on Wednesday were ‘ominous,’ and now the club has confirmed the news on its official site.

“Liverpool FC said today a scan had confirmed an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in Lucas Leiva’s left knee,” the statement read.

“The Brazil international will undergo surgery and unfortunately be ruled out for the remainder of the current campaign.”

Lucas has been one of the key players in Liverpool’s revival under Kenny Dalglish and was named the club’s player of the year last season. He was man of the match in last week’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City and has made more successful tackles in the Premier League than any other player this season, overtaking Tottenham’s Scott Parker.

England under-21 midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been recalled from a successful loan spell at Blackpool. Jay Spearing will be favourite to step into Lucas’ defensive midfielder role, especially seeing as club captain Steven Gerrard is still recovering from an ankle infection.

Lucas’ popularity among Liverpool fans stands in direct contrast to the taunts he was subjected to after his arrival from Gremio in 2007. After a shaky start under Rafael Benitez, he became a mainstay of the first team in 2009 and has barely been dislodged since.

For more information, check out the Daily Mail’s story here >

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