Liverpool lose Lucas to injury but are close to new contracts for Sterling and Henderson

Liverpool are sweating the results of a thigh scan amidst fears Lucas Leiva could spend the next month on the sidelines.

The Brazilian midfielder has been hugely important to Liverpool's improved form in recent weeks, but picked up the injury in Saturday's goalless draw at Everton and could now miss a crucial period of the season at Anfield. Liverpool take on top-four rivals Tottenham in the Premier League tomorrow night before an FA Cup fifth round tie at Crystal Palace this weekend. The Reds also have a two-legged Europa League tie against Besiktas and another vital league game at Southampton before the end of this month. At his press conference yesterday, manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that Lucas 'will miss a bit of time', but the full extent of the damage won't be known until medical tests are analysed. On a more positive note, the knocks picked up by Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho should not prevent them from facing Spurs, while Adam Lallana could also return to the line-up and Daniel Sturridge could make his first start since coming back from his lengthy lay-off. Rodgers also had positive news regarding contract negotiations with Sterling and club vice-captain Jordan Henderson, who both have less than 18 months remaining on their deals. https://twitter.com/JamesPearceEcho/status/564787939415433217 Rodgers added: 'If they get too much, too young, it can really sabotage their development. That's why we communicate a lot with players and advisers. 'In Raheem's case he's been outstanding but we must not forget he was a 17-year-old boy given an opportunity – in the two and a half years, he's been outstanding, but he still has a long way to go This is the place for him to develop, and he knows that as well.' [h/t Liverpool Echo]