All-action: Lucas has been one of Liverpool's most
consistent performers
Injury blow: Lucas is stretchered off at Stamford
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Jamie Carragher has
admitted Liverpool have lost a player 'as important as Luis Suarez'
after the club's worst fears over Lucas were
confirmed.
The Brazilian international
will miss the rest of the season after scans revealed he suffered
significant damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his
left-knee during Tuesday night's 2-0 win at Chelsea in the Carling
Cup.
He will need surgery to
correct the damage and will then face six months on the sidelines,
meaning Liverpool may be forced to reassess their plans for the
January transfer window.
Jay Spearing is likely to take
over his defensive midfield role alongside Charlie Adam for the
time being, as Steven Gerrard is still recovering from an ankle
infection.
'For the last 18 months, in my
opinion, he has been our best player,' said Carragher.
'Luis Suarez has come in and
done great things for the club but Lucas has been his equal in many
ways.
'He has been as good as anyone
in the team this season and there is no question he will be a big
miss.'
Signed from Gremio in May
2007, Lucas has fought back from being a target for the terrace
boo-boys and Carragher believes the 24-year-old's strength of
character will help his rehabilitation.
'I have been there in terms of
receiving criticism,' said Carragher. 'High standards are expected
when you play for one of the big clubs and there are plenty
examples of players who have gone missing after realising the
demands on them.
'But you can tell Lucas is a
top player as he never lets that bother him. He has just got on
with it and plays in nearly every game. If he has a little knock,
he will always try and carry on, doing his best for us. There are
lots of different characters but you can't fault
Lucas.'
Lucas is distraught about the
news but he said on Twitter: 'I am really disappointed but I am
sure I will come back stronger and achieve everything I dream of in
a Liverpool shirt.'
