Liverpool legend Jan Molby calls sale of club veteran Lucas Leiva 'confusing'

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva's imminent departure from the Merseyside club has been questioned by Jan Molby, amid injury to captain Jordan Henderson. Turkish club Besiktas hope to complete a season-long loan deal for the Brazil international, who had not been included in the match day squads for the Premier League wins over Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth.

Henderson was replaced after 52 minutes of the 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth due to an ankle problem, with the England international now a doubt for the trip to the Gunners at The Emirates Stadium. Should Henderson be absent, Lucas would be the like-for-like stand-in to fill in at the base of the Reds midfield.

However, Besiktas are hopeful of securing a deal for Lucas in the next 48 hours, meaning Liverpool would likely be without the 28 year old on Monday (24 August). But Molby is "confused" by the decision to allow Lucas to leave, particularly with his former side set to be short for the game at Arsenal.

"I'm still a little bit confused as to why we're happy to let Lucas Leiva leave," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I'm not suggesting he's the best number six in the world but he's best number six Liverpool have.

"If Jordan Henderson misses out against Arsenal, I'd have put the Brazilian in there. It's the manager's call, though, and he clearly believes he can do without Lucas who, at this stage of his career, really needs to be playing games regularly.

"Losing Henderson would be a big blow. You need energy against Arsenal, as they have arguably the best set of individual talents in the Premier League. It's about being able to deal with that at the Emirates. If we come away with a point, it will be a great result to continue a good start to the season."