Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva confident of rediscovering best form after lay off

Lucas Leiva believes he can rediscover his best form from early in the 2011-12 campaign after making his return from injury in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

The Brazil international started his first Premier League game after picking up a thigh problem in the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City back in August.

The 23-year-old missed two-thirds of last season following a ruptured cruciate ligament against Chelsea in November 2011.

Lucas had been Liverpool’s standout performer until injury struck at Stamford Bridge last term, but the midfielder is confident he can reach those heights again.

“It’s a process where I will get better with games,” Lucas told the Liverpool Echo. “I’m not thinking my first game back will be my best game

“I have done everything I could do and now I’m hoping to get a good run of games and training sessions as that’s the only way I will get back to the level I was at before.

“A year ago, before that game at Chelsea, maybe I was playing my best football for Liverpool. I really believe I can get to that level again and I want to get there as soon as possible.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to help the team a lot this season. It’s getting to an important part of the season and the manager will need everyone fit.”