Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that he hopes a good end to the season will boost his chances of being part of Brazil's squad for the World Cup.

The 27-year-old has been out of action since January due to a knee ligament injury.

However, Lucas is now ready to return and wants to impress during the final few months of his club's Premier League campaign.

"I was lucky that I wasn't out for a long time and I'm now looking forward to first-team action," he told Liverpool's official website.

"Hopefully I'll be able to help the team again for the next 10 games because we know how important they are.

"It's a massive two months for me especially looking towards the World Cup at the end of the season as well, so I can't afford to miss many more games."

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to bitter rivals Manchester United.