David Armstrong’s latest injury concern is not a new ACL rupture, according to Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam. The full-back was taken off at half-time as a precaution in the 62-10 win over Bradford, and a subsequent scan showed no further damage.
Lam said Armstrong has a strain to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the knee ligament reconstructed last year. A decision on his immediate availability will be made later in the week.
David Armstrong injury update after Bradford win
Armstrong did not return for the second half against Bradford after twice taking heavy contact while collecting the ball. Leigh still ran out 62-10 winners, but the sight of their full-back leaving the game naturally raised concern.
Lam explained that the substitution had been precautionary and that the scan brought encouraging news.
“Davey Armstrong, I replaced at half time as a precautionary measure and we’ve had a scan since and the good news is that he hasn’t done any further damage.”
The coach’s update means the immediate fear of another serious ACL injury has eased. That is the central takeaway for Leigh: Armstrong has suffered a strain, rather than another tear.
The ACL strain and possible absence
Lam said the strain affects the ACL Armstrong had reconstructed last year. He stressed that the club still needed to make a call as the week progressed.
“It’s just a strain on the ACL that he had reconstruction on last year so we need to make a call as it gets to the back end of the week but its good news that it [ACL tear] hasn’t happened again, which is a massive relief for everyone.”
That leaves a short-term absence possible. Lam said Armstrong could be out for one or two weeks, or potentially longer, depending on how the issue develops.
For Leigh, the difference matters. An ACL tear would have brought a far more serious setback; a strain still requires care, but it gives the club a realistic route to getting Armstrong back quickly.
Leigh expect Armstrong back before the play-offs
Lam has said Leigh expect Armstrong to return before the play-offs. That is an important target as the Leopards approach the final stretch of their campaign.
The coach also reported that, apart from Armstrong, the squad came through the Bradford match without injury. Leigh therefore carry confidence from the result while they monitor their full-back’s knee through the week.
Supporters looking for the clearest reading of the update should focus on two points: no additional damage was found on the scan, and the club expects Armstrong to be available again before the play-offs. The exact timing remains dependent on the decision made later in the week.
