Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has reportedly been ruled out for six weeks after aggravating his thigh injury during the Reds' goalless draw against Everton on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Brazilian initially picked up the injury during Liverpool's 2-0 English Premier League win over West Ham on 31 January. After missing out in his side's 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round replay at Bolton, he returned for the Merseyside derby on Saturday, where he was forced off the pitch after only 16 minutes.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers revealed on Monday that Lucas, who is suffering from a adductor problem, would be out of action for a "little bit of time"
"Lucas is one that will probably miss a little bit of time. We're just waiting on the exact results of the scan," the former Swansea City boss told Liverpool's official website on Monday.
ESPN claim that the midfielder will not be returning before March.
His injury will certainly come as a big blow for the Reds as the Brazilian had played a crucial role in Rodgers' reshaped 3-4-2-1 system that has improved Liverpool's performance in the past couple of months.
On a brighter note, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana are expected to be fit for the Reds' Premier League clash against Tottenham on Tuesday.
While Sterling and Coutinho were doubts for this game after picking up knocks during the Merseyside derby clash at Goodison Park on Saturday, Lallana, who has been out of action after suffering a thigh injury during the 2-2 draw against Leicester City on New Year's Day, was also expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of days more.
However, on being asked whether these players had recovered from their respective injuries, Rodgers replied: "All the others should be fine."
Meanwhile, the Northern Irishman refused to reveal whether Daniel Sturridge will be handed his first start since his return from injury against Spurs on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old, who spent around five months on the sidelines due to a thigh and calf injury, has made three substitute appearances for the Reds since his comeback.
Although the former Chelsea striker has looked pretty good, already netting a goal against West Ham, Rodgers did not reveal whether the England international would start against Spurs.
"You'll see tomorrow night," said Rodgers. "He's in a condition where he has been training for a little bit of time. There'll be a time where he will be able to start, whether it's tomorrow or whether it's at the weekend, you'll have to wait and see."
