Liverpool's Lucas Leiva targets Brazil recall

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has vowed to return to his best form for the Reds in order to give himself a chance to make next year's Brazilian World Cup squad.

The Reds' defensive midfielder suffered two lengthy injury layoffs in the past 18 months and made the last of his 20 appearances for the Selecao in 2011.

Lucas ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a League Cup tie at Chelsea in November 2011 and suffered a torn thigh muscle against Manchester City last August.

However, Lucas is targeting a return to optimum levels ahead of next summer's tournament in his homeland.

"This season is my last chance to try to get back in the squad and make the World Cup in Brazil," Lucas told the Liverpool Echo.

"It's always difficult to be in the squad for Brazil as there are many players competing for those places. Brazil winning the Confederations Cup makes it even harder to get back there.

"But I was involved in almost every game before my knee injury. If I get the chance I will try to impress and get my place back."

Brazil won the Confederations Cup last month by beating world and European champions Spain 3-0 in the final.