It was confirmed tonight that Jonjo Shelvey was recalled from Blackpool, following Lucas sustaining a knee injury at Chelsea last night.
There is speculation surrounding Lucas having a long spell on the sidelines, which will come as a big blow to Kenny Dalglish’s league campaign.
The Brazilian midfielder has been in excellent form for the reds and was arguably Liverpools best player in recent weeks, if not months. Luis Suarez sent a message of support for his fellow Liverpool player on twitter this evening saying “With all my heart, be strong Lucas Leiva!! We are with you!!”.
The injury to Lucas will indeed gift an opportunity for the returning Jonjo Shelvely to impress in a red shirt and also provide a possible run of regular games for Jay Spearing. How it will impact Charlie Adams game in the middle will remain to be seen. But there are a number of possible options which Kenny Dalglish can consider in Lucas’s absence. There is of course always the January transfer window just around the corner, too.
Our full support is with Lucas and we wish him a speedy recovery.
once jonjo has been recalled he must play and that too as an attacking midfielder, its an opportunity for him to make his mark
Think jonjo can rise to the occasion here, now spearing has that red card. He has matured since he has been at blackpool the stats show it.
Get well soon Lucas! Absolute blow to the team with him injured. I was slightly dismayed to see him start against Chelsea in the Carling Cup game, because he’d obviously do a lot of work after full games in the previous 2 weeks. The result vindicated King Kenny’s team selection, granted, but the chance for injury was there. Probably Adam would be pushed back in midfield, with Shelvey/Henderson being up front.. Not sure, but that seems the most likely thing. That or one of the CB’s would be put up front.
Well everyone tells me that this is what Adam was bought for! As for Gerrard? I said in August that his days of playing were over and I see no reason to change that opinion now. Who is trying to kid whom when an “infection” puts a player out for a couple of months or so??
Spearing did perform well in the second half of last season, but he was playing alongside Lukas which made his job slightly easier. I don’t doubt that he can fill in for Lukas in his absence, but the problem is when he comes up against the big boys…not sure if he can compete without having someonein the form of Lukas to cover up and I’m not too confident of his partnership with Adam. Bringing back Shelvey is a total waste of time and maybe premature. He seems to be enjoying his time on Seaside and he surely would have benefited more staying there for the time being. Plus he is an attacking midfielder so cannot understand the reasoning behing pringing him back as a replacement for Lukas. What’s happening with Gerrard…too quite and very worrying!!!
Jay Spearing is an excellent player and natural replacement for Lucas, and towards end of last year I felt he offered same work rate as Lucas but better quality in attack. Shelvey should stay at Blackpool as they seem to be developing him as an attacking midfielder, and he has yet to show me that he can play in a defensive midfielder role.