Lucas ( left ) and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard during Sunday 's All-Star charity game at Anfield . Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is looking to recapture what he considers his best form in two years after recovering from injury . The Brazil international enjoyed a run of 16 starts in 19 matches from late November - which coincided with a marked improvement in the team 's results - until a groin problem in February 's Merseyside derby saw him miss 10 games . He was an unused substitute in the defeat by Manchester United immediately before the international break , their first in the league since mid-December , but played 90 minutes in Sunday 's All-Star Charity game at Anfield . Lucas 's return to fitness could not have come at a more opportune moment , with captain Steven Gerrard suspended for three matches for his sending off against United , and the Brazilian is hoping to slot back in seamlessly after injury halted what was turning into a good season personally . ' I was in a very good moment , probably the best moment in the last couple of years , and I had a good run of games , ' he said . 'The beginning of the season was n't good for me because I could n't play much , but as soon as I got back in the team I think I helped a lot . ' I do n't know if Stevie 's suspension will change things because the team were playing well , but I need to be ready and there are a lot of games to play and the FA Cup as well , so everyone will be needed . ' I need to be ready and if I get a chance again I need to be at the same level I was before I was injured . ' Lucas attempts to spoil Luis 's Suarez 's return to Anfield with a tackle in the charity match . Fifth-placed Liverpool head to Arsenal on Saturday knowing they can not realistically afford to lose if they are to keep pace with the top four , but in addition to Gerrard 's absence they will also be missing centre-back Martin Skrtel , a virtual ever-present this season , after he was retrospectively banned for standing on United goalkeeper David de Gea . 'Martin is having a fantastic season again . He has been a very consistent player for us and losing him and Stevie is hard to take , but if you want to be successful you ca n't rely on one or two players , ' Lucas told liverpoolfc.com . 'Both are very important players for us as one can change a game and the other gives us stability at the back , but we have other players as well who can step in . 'It 's always been the case for the group that if someone gets injured then someone will step in and do the job . 'That 's how it should be and we should n't be afraid we do n't have them . 'Of course it 's going to be a big miss not having Stevie and Skrts , but we have to show we can cope for the three games and then we have them back ready to go again . ' Lucas 's spoiling in midfield helped Liverpool go on an impressive run before Christmas . The Brazilian is aiming to take advantage of Gerrard 's absence in he next three games . Lucas rejected the chance to have some time off during the international break in order to make sure he was fully fit for the resumption of the Premier League . ' I feel great . Leading up to the Manchester United game I had a full week of training as well , so it 's been two weeks of full training , ' he said . ' I was available for the Manchester United game , but probably was n't able to play the whole game . Now I feel 100 per cent . 'Of course it 's good to have a few days off , but I was away in Brazil while I was having my treatment so it was the right decision to stay here and keep working during the international break . 'If you get too many days off you do n't get the sharpness and the rhythm of the training session and that 's what I was missing . ' I spoke with the staff and they prepared everything for me as well to make me feel as though I 'm in good condition , so it 's looking good and hopefully it will only get better . 'Now it 's just a question of getting some minutes and training sessions , so that 's what I need and what I 'm having . 'Leading into the Arsenal game that 's going to be good , because I will have had three full weeks of training and I 'm looking forward to it . '
Lucas Leiva is set for run in Liverpool first team after groin injury . Steven Gerrard 's suspension opens up spot in Reds ' midfield . Lucas helped Liverpool to regain their best form after return in November . But he has just returned to action after another lay-off . CLICK HERE for the latest Liverpool news .