Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool plan to offer Lucas new deal but Gerrard out for Newcastle trip
Steven Gerrard has lost his battle to return to Liverpool's starting line-up at Newcastle on Saturday.[LNB]Gerrard had targeted the Barclays Premier League match as a comeback date after tearing his hamstring on November 17 at the end of England's 2-1 friendly defeat to France. [LNB]But he tweaked scar tissue in the same hamstring during a training session at Melwood 10 days ago which slowed the speed of his recovery and meant the date against Newcastle was a step too far. [LNB] Too soon: Injured on international duty, England ace Gerrard should return for Liverpool against Fulham - not at Newcastle on Saturday[LNB]Roy Hodgson now expects Gerrard to be ready for the game against the manager's former club Fulham at Anfield on Saturday week and has stressed there have been no further complications. [LNB]'It would have been much too early for Steven to be considered for Newcastle but he is making very good progress,' said Hodgson. [LNB]'But it's just that Newcastle (has proven to be) an unrealistic target - but he's on schedule.' [LNB]Hodgson also revealed Liverpool are ready to extend the contract of Brazilian midfielder Lucas. [LNB]New deal: Liverpool want Lucas to stay put[LNB]Lucas, who cost £5million when he arrived from Gremio in 2007, has 18 months left on his contract but was almost offloaded during the summer. [LNB]Stoke City, Inter Milan and Santos all made enquires about his availability and Hodgson was initially unsure about Lucas' position in the squad, particularly after he signed Christian Poulsen, a player in the same mould. [LNB]But Lucas, who had been a figure of crowd derision in the past, has blossomed in recent months. Initial contract talks have been held and Hodgson made it clear Lucas is part of Liverpool's plans. [LNB]'Would we like to keep him? That's a resounding yes,' he said. [LNB]Ryan Babel, is likely to drop to the bench at St James' Park, as Fernando Torres - whose wife, Olalla, gave birth on Monday - will return to the starting lineup after missing that night's 3-0 win over Aston Villa. [LNB] Liverpool step up bid to sign Rennes' versatile £3m defender FanniWhy would I quit for Liverpool? Subotic delivers putdown to HodgsonKeane warns Liverpool that 'new Rooney' Wickham won't come cheapLIVERPOOL FC
