Lucas set for Reds return

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is set to make his return from a long-term knee injury two months ahead of schedule, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.

The Brazilian was ruled out last November when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but Rodgers revealed he plans to give the 25-year-old some game time on the pre-season tour of North America.

Liverpool will play friendlies against Toronto, Roma and Tottenham as they prepare for the new season. Rodgers told www.lfctour.com: "He'll have some involvement. He's still got some way to go to get back to where he was before the injury but he's back two months early."

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