Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has admitted that the team will miss midfielder Lucas Leiva after it was revealed that he would sit out the rest of the season through injury.

The Brazilian international damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Reds' Carling Cup win against Chelsea on Tuesday night.

"For the last 18 months, in my opinion, he has been our best player," said Carragher. "Luis Suarez has come in and done great things for the club, but Lucas has been his equal in many ways.

"He has been as good as anyone in the team this season and there is no question that he will be a big miss."

The Merseyside club travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.