Lucas: It won't be a problem for me
Lucas Leiva has declared himself fit and desperate to take part in Liverpool's season opener against Sunderland on Saturday.
The Brazilian has been training for a week and a half after an extended period away from Liverpool due to his country's participation in the Copa America.
He played 45 minutes of our 2-0 victory over Valencia last weekend and is eager to be involved when Steve Bruce's new-look side travel west for the 3pm kick-off.
"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," the 24-year-old told Liverpoolfc.tv at Melwood.
"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 was sent off during Brazil's quarter-final exit from the Copa America to would-be finalists Paraguay.
The midfielder then lent his support to eventual winners Uruguay, for whom Anfield teammate Luis Suarez scored in the final.
Our January signing also won 'Most Valuable Player' at the tournament.
"We were in contact for the whole of Copa America," said Lucas. "I was speaking with him because we're really close here in Liverpool and I was really happy he got the award.
"Uruguay deserved to win the tournament and for him to score in the semi-final and final, he deserved to be picked as the best player.
"We're really happy because he's a Liverpool player and for sure he's come back with a lot of confidence for the new season.
"He is really excited, as everyone is at the moment. We have new players and we have a lot of confidence to start well. We'll make sure we start better than last season."
Suarez is being talked about as a potential Player of the Season this term, such was his impact following a transfer from Dutch giants Ajax at the start of 2011.
His arrival coincided with the exit of Fernando Torres - though Suarez was signed to play alongside rather than replace the Spaniard.
Lucas added: "Fernando was an important player for Liverpool, he had a successful career here but chose to go to another club. When an important player goes, another one always has to come to fill the space. Suarez came straight away and has done really well.
"It's not easy to come to the Premier League and make an impact straight away, so we're really happy. Hopefully he'll keep doing the same this season.
"He has all the qualities to be a top scorer and one of the best players.
"In the three months he played for Liverpool he was amazing and hopefully he can do the same this season."
As for his own Copa America heartache, Lucas is fully behind the overhaul instigated by Brazil coach Mano Menezes since taking over in 2010.
Our No.21 knows all about his international boss from their days together at Gremio.
"It was a disappointing result - of course we wanted to win," said Lucas. "It's really difficult when a new manager comes in and changes a lot of players. There are new players and young players and sometimes you pay for it but in the long-term this will be a successful team. You just have to keep getting experience.
"We know how difficult it is to play for Brazil. It was an important tournament for us but hopefully the next ones will be better."