LIVERPOOL -- Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is facing six weeks out of action after aggravating a thigh injury, sources confirmed.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said on Monday that Lucas faces multiple weeks on the sideline, and sources told ESPN FC that scans have shown that the Brazil international will not play again until March.
Lucas, 28, suffered the problem initially during the 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham on Jan. 31.
He missed the following Wednesday's 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round replay win at Bolton, before returning for last Saturday's Merseyside derby.
But he limped off after just 16 minutes of the 0-0 draw at Goodison Park, with early reports suggesting he could be out for a month.
His injury is a significant blow to Liverpool ahead of Tuesday's Premier League home match against Tottenham. The midfielder has played a crucial role in the reshaped 3-4-2-1 set-up that Rodgers has employed to improve his side's form over the last two months.
He could miss up to six Premier League games, as well as the FA Cup fifth-round trip to Crystal Palace on Feb. 14 and both legs of the Europa League round of 32 tie against Turkish side Besiktas.
Rodgers said: "Lucas is one who will probably miss a little bit of time. We're waiting on the exact results of the scan."
Tuesday's match is of major importance for a Liverpool side looking to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
The Reds have climbed to seventh place on the back of an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and are five points from a top-four spot.
Victory at Anfield on Tuesday would move them to within a point of Tottenham, who are currently fifth.
Striker Daniel Sturridge could make his first start for Liverpool since August, having played three matches as a substitute since returning from a five-month injury absence.
But Rodgers was coy when asked about the chance of the 25-year-old making his starting lineup.
The manager said: "He's in a condition where he's been training for a little bit of time, and there'll be a time when he'll be available to start. Whether it's tomorrow, whether it's at the weekend, you'll have to wait and see."