Dalglish: Reds can cope without Lucas

Kenny Dalglish is confident Liverpool FC's squad is strong enough to ensure the loss of Lucas Leiva doesn't wreck their season.

The Reds boss admits the influential Brazil midfielder, who is facing around six months out with anterior cruciate ligament damage, will be sorely missed.

However, Dalglish is hoping in Lucas' absence others will rise to the challenge and he isn't thinking about buying a replacement in January.

With skipper Steven Gerrard still sidelined, Jay Spearing is expected to be handed a first league start of the campaign in Monday's clash at Fulham, as Liverpool FC look to extend their 11-game unbeaten run.

"We'd much rather have Lucas fit and well, but we don't, and it's up to us to accommodate that and make sure that we can handle it," Kenny Dalglish said. "That's one of the tests you get at a football club. Someone's always going to be missing. We feel sorry for Lucas, not for ourselves.

"He has certainly been playing well and I have been delighted with what he has done for us. It is a disappointment for him as he was enjoying his football.

"But we just need to get on with it. We don't need to make a decision about January at the beginning of December. We have a really strong squad and have to cater for suspensions, injuries, loss of form, fatigue, whatever.

"We've got adequate replacements. We will have a look and make a decision.

"Wee Jay has done really well since I came in.

"We trust in him and we believe in all of them."

Lucas was one of three Liverpool FC outfield players in the Carling Cup win at Chelsea who had also started against Manchester City just 48 hours earlier.

Kenny Dalglish had stated his frustration at the "disgraceful" schedule but says Lucas's injury was nothing to do with fatigue.

He said: "It was innocuous. His studs stuck in the ground and resulted in his knee going. I don't think it was as a result of the two games coming quickly.

"If it's going to happen, it's going to happen. No-one could have foreseen that. He's just unlucky."

Lucas showed great resilience during a tough start to his Anfield career and the manager believes that will be crucial as he sets out on the long road to recovery.

"He will be strong because he is strong," Dalglish said.

"I've seen him, and while it's obviously not the happiest time of his career, he's not moping about or feeling sorry for himself.

"Lucas is very strong mentally and that will help him during his rehabilitation.

"He'll have the operation as soon as he can get it, after we decide where he's going to go.

"I would imagine he's out for the season but until we actually get inside the knee, we don't know. It's not career threatening.

"It could be better, it could be worse. But being out for a season is a rough estimate. When he has the operation, we'll have a better idea."

Source:  Liverpool Echo

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