Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that the support from the club's fans has given him an extra boost to return to fitness.

The Brazil international has been out of action since September after suffering a thigh injury at Anfield following a lengthy absence that left him out of the majority of last season.

"Ever since my first injury, the fans have been very important to me," Lucas told the club's official website.

"When you don't play, you think that people might forget about you but I think it has been completely the opposite. People send me nice messages and they say that they really miss me. So this has given me the confidence to come back."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed yesterday that Lucas will be in the squad for tomorrow's match against Southampton.