New midfielder partner for Liverpool's Charlie Adam

Lucas Leiva has played a pivotal role in Liverpool's midfield this term (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool's Charlie Adam will run out in the Barclays Premier League at Fulham tonight without his central midfield partner Lucas Leiva for only the second time this season.

The pair have started 12 of the Reds' previous 13 league matches alongside each other - the Brazilian missed one game through suspension - and had developed a close understanding and good working relationship.

But with the 24-year-old having been ruled out for the rest of the season with cruciate knee ligament damage Adam is going to have to forge a new partnership.

It may take some getting used to, and it may involve the Scotland international adjusting his role to compensate for the loss of a player who has become a key cog in their system.

"We have been playing well together but he is a top Brazilian international and has been fantastic for us," Adam told liverpoolfc.tv.

"He has had a lot plaudits for the whole season - Luis Suarez has stolen the limelight because he has been terrific but Lucas deservedly got man of the match against Manchester City.

"We are all really sad for him because he's been one of the best players for us again this season.

"He's a terrific player and it's a big blow for us. He is going to be a loss.

"He's gutted but we are all behind him and giving him support. I texted him the other day and told him he will come back stronger mentally and physically a better player.

"It will be a hard time for him but we will all get him through it, all the players and staff, and he will be back for us next season."

Liverpool are looking to maintain an unbeaten run which now stretches to 11 matches at Fulham.

Manager Kenny Dalglish is likely to revert to the line-up - minus Lucas - which did so well in pushing league leaders Manchester City on their way to a point at Anfield the previous weekend.

That means many of the players who secured the club's place in the Carling Cup semi-finals with the win at Chelsea in midweek will lose out.

Dalglish admits it cannot be helped but stressed the players know success will only come from them being united in their quest to improve.

"Last Tuesday we made seven changes and there is not one of them who let themselves or us down," said the Scot.

"That's the thing that is going to keep us going - the momentum and strong dressing room we have.

"If they're enjoying coming to work, they're going to work and train harder, and produce good performances. They've done that.

"We would much rather have Lucas fit than injured but we have a strong squad and we have people in the squad who can step in.

"We have to accommodate injuries and suspensions and unfortunately for us Lucas is, at this moment in time, inured and we have to be able to handle it."

PA