Lucas-Gerrard whammy leave Liverpool reeling

It’s a double whammy for Liverpool – but one half of that problem is old. Steven Gerrard has been out for some time now. 

The misfiring Andy Carroll is deadweight on the Liverpool bench – or coming off it. 

However, that cannot be said about the creative and hard-running Brazilian Lucas Levia. 

Lucas had to be carried off on a stretcher after he damaged his left knee during Tuesday's 2-0 Carling Cup quarter-final victory at Chelsea and Anfield’s worst fears came true when scans revealed that anterior cruciate ligament damage will require surgery. 

Lucas’ season is over, but the worry is how badly will that affect a resurgent Liverpool that clearly have a top four finish in their sights. In fact so crucial to Liverpool is Lucas that Jamie Carragher says that Liverpool have lost their real star of the season.

The Kop centre-back says that losing Lucas is as big a blow as the Reds being without golden boy Luis Suarez. 

Carragher said: "Lucas has been his equal in many ways.He has been as good as anyone in the team this season." 

Lucas, 24, was the key in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Lucas has formed a successful midfield partnership with Scotland international Charlie Adam this term. 

Lucas tweeted: "I am really disappointed with the news because I was enjoying a lot of time on the pitch. But I am sure I will come back stronger and achieve everything I dream of with the Liverpool shirt — I am sure I will never walk alone." 

In fact Lucas’ loss can be measured by boss Kenny Dalglish’s reaction – he has recalled Jonjo Shelvey from his loan spell at Blackpool a month early. Jay Spearing and Jordan Henderson could also see a lot more action now.  

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