Lucas Leiva Injury: Updates on Liverpool Star's Thigh and Return

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has returned to training on March 18, after the midfielder was forced to depart the Feb. 7 Merseyside derby against Everton early with a reported thigh problem. He was a substitute against Manchester United on March 22.

Continue for updates.

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Lucas Available vs. Manchester United After Returning to Training

Sunday, March 22

Liverpool announced Lucas was available for the club's match against Manchester United:

On March 18, James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo reported that Lucas has returned to full training ahead of Saturday's match with Manchester United:

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Liverpool have received a major boost after Lucas Leiva was passed fit to return to full training.

The Brazil midfielder hasn’t featured for the Reds since he was forced off with a thigh injury in the Merseyside derby at Goodison on February 7.

However, six weeks on Lucas has now rejoined Brendan Rodgers’ squad and is ready to play a part in Liverpool’s pursuit of a Champions League spot and FA Cup glory.

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On March 16, Lucas suggested he will return to action soon with an Instagram post highlighting him working with a ball:

This comes over a month after he departed the 0-0 draw with the Toffees due to a thigh strain, reported by Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph on Feb. 9.

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Lucas Undergoes Scan After Leaving Pitch Early

Saturday, Feb. 7

The club's official Twitter feed immediately noticed something was wrong when the player made his way to the sidelines:

Brendan Rodgers discussed the injury in the post-match presser via the club's official website: "We'll just have to assess it. He had a slight problem with his adductor—that's why he missed the last game (at Bolton). He felt it again there, so we'll see what the scan says on that."

Joe Allen was introduced to replace the Brazilian, and has impressed in the weeks since. Most notably, the former Swansea midfielder put in a tigerish performance during City's win over Manchester City.

Leiva has been an important figure behind the Reds' resurgence, starting eight matches since the start of the new year, per WhoScored.com. The 28-year-old brings composure and experience to a young squad, helping to shield the back four with his defensive play.