Liverpool injury news: Lucas Leiva returns to training following his recovery from a thigh injury

Liverpool have been handed a major fitness boost after midfielder Lucas Leiva returned to full training following his recovery from a thigh injury.

The Brazilian midfielder, who has been sidelined with the injury since the Merseyside Derby on February 7 confirmed his return to training after he posted a picture of himself at Liverpool's Melwood training base.

"De volta aos treinos !!!! Back full training!!" Lucas confirmed through his personal Instagram account.

Leiva's return will be a big boost to manager Brendan Rodgers, who is getting his team ready for a tight battle with rivals Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton for a place in the top four. The Reds are desperate to qualify for the Champions League next season and are well on course for a top four finish.

The 28-year-old midfielder was crucial for the Merseyside club before sustaining his injury and will provide added solidity and protection for the back three in Rodgers' new 3-5-2 formation. The Northern Irishman's new philosophy has been a great success and it has seen them go on a 13-game unbeaten run since losing to Manchester United in December.

Liverpool welcome the Old Trafford club to Anfield this Sunday in what will be a crucial clash with respect to the top four race. Though the Brazilian international's involvement for this game is yet to be decided, his return will give added options to the manager in future games.

According to the Liverpool ECHO, the midfielder, who has been out for six weeks, will make his first-team return for the Reds' trip to the Emirates Stadium to face the Gunners on Easter Sunday.

Liverpool are having a positive spell on the injury front as their casualty list seems to have cleared in recent days, as apart from the Brazilian, defenders Jon Flanagan and Jose Enrique have also returned to first-team training.