Liverpool FC midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he's fully fit for Sunderland by Neil Jones, Liverpool Daily Post

LUCAS LEIVA insists he is fit and ready for the start of Liverpool FC’s Premier League campaign this weekend despite a busy summer with Brazil.

The midfielder was a virtual ever-present for LFC last season, making 47 appearances in all competitions. He then headed off to Argentina to represent his country at the Copa America, featuring in all four games as Mano Menezes’ side were eliminated at the quarter-final stage.

The former Gremio man made his first pre-season appearance just last weekend, playing 45 minutes in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Spanish side Valencia at Anfield, but says he is prepared to head straight into battle when Sunderland arrive on Merseyside on Saturday.

Lucas said: “I’m fit. I didn’t have a full holiday and was training with the national team, so it won’t be a problem for me to be available for Saturday.

“I am really excited to be back and really looking forward to the new season. We’re in a good mood at the moment and hopefully we’ll start well on Saturday.”

Lucas is likely to start against Steve Bruce’s Black Cats on Saturday, while another Copa America star, striker Luis Suarez, returned to training at Melwood on Monday, having led Uruguay to their first South American crown since 1995.