Lucas Leiva boost for Reds

Liverpool’s top-four ambitions have received a boost with the return to training of midfielder Lucas Leiva.

The Brazil international has not featured since limping off 16 minutes into the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 7. Part of Lucas’ rehabilitation saw him spend time back in his homeland but he has stepped up his workload in recent days.

The 28-year-old, whose holding role in central midfield played an important part in Liverpool’s turnaround in fortunes which has seen them go undefeated in the Premier League since mid-December, was deemed fit enough to resume regular duties.