Liverpool's Lucas Leiva undergoes successful surgery

Lucas has played in 15 games for Liverpool this season

Liverpool have confirmed midfielder Lucas Leiva has undergone successful surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury in the Reds' 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carling Cup last week and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

"LFC medical staff were present during the procedure," a club statement said.

"Lucas will now begin an agreed rehabilitation programme which will be overseen by the club's medical team."