Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva will miss Saturday’s match at Newcastle after his wife went into labour on Friday.

We understand that Jordan Henderson will therefore continue alongside Steven Gerrard in centre midfield, with Glen Johnson most likely to come in at right wing-back.

Another surprise omission from the starting 11 is expected to be Jose Enrique after the Spaniard underwent a small operation during the international break.

Lucas, 26, missed the win over Crystal Palace due to suspension and this week made his first appearances for Brazil in two years.

In an interview this week the midfielder expressed his desire to stay at the club for the rest of his career. “I don’t really see myself playing for any other club if I have the choice. I’d love to have my testimonial at Anfield”, he explained in The Guardian.

“We’ll arrive with our strongest squad of the season against Newcastle,” said Brendan Rodgers this week, with the return from injury of Johnson, Joe Allen and Aly Cissokho.

Newcastle v Liverpool kicks off at 12:45pm on Saturday, live on BT Sport (UK).

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