Liverpool FC: The Bright Side of Lucas Leiva's Season Long Injury

Liverpool's celebrations following progression into the last four of the Carling Cup were marred with the news that midfield rock Lucas Leiva will miss the rest of the season. Consequently, Jonjo Shelvey was immediately recalled from loan.

While all Liverpool fans are justifiably concerned, maybe this piece will ease your worries.

So, what positives can Kenny Dalglish take from this?

Well firstly, it gives him an excellent chance to test midfield depth. Who is the best replacement for Lucas? Shelvey's recall suggests that he may be given a chance to shine, while Jay Spearing looked solid against Chelsea. In other words, it's a great excuse to use younger players and give them valuable experience.

Secondly, the injury may force Liverpool to play a much more attacking style of football. It's fair to say that Lucas operated just ahead of the front four mainly, and with him gone, his replacement will get forward more. If Gerrard returns, then the replacement will be Charlie Adam. Do you expect him to sit back?

I don't.

What this means is that Liverpool will be more vulnerable defensively, but they will score more goals, simply by having an extra playmaker.

It's also great news for Jordan Henderson. He has been played on the right of midfield, but he prefers the centre. Henderson may partner with Adam until Gerrard returns, giving Henderson a real chance to show what he can do.

I touched on more attacking football earlier, but what if it forces Dalglish to chuck the standard, boring 4-4-2 away and adopt a 4-3-3 formation? I've been pushing for that look for a while now, and here's what it would look like for me:

------------------------------------------Reina--------------------------------------------

--Kelly------------------Skrtel----------------------Agger------------Enrique--

----------------------------------------Spearing----------------------------------------

------------------------Henderson-----------------Adam----------------------------

-----Bellamy----------------------------------------------------------------Maxi------

------------------------------------------Suarez------------------------------------------

That's what it would look like for me; what would you do?