St Kilda GM Football Performance Jamie Cox says the club will have a clearer idea of Leigh Montagna’s return date in the coming weeks after he strained his hamstring on Saturday night.
With five games remaining in the home and away season, the 33-year-old is facing a race against the clock to return before the Saints year draws to a close.
“‘Joey’ suffered a hamstring strain in the third quarter on Saturday night but it doesn’t require surgery so it will be rehabbed with the diligence that he does everything with,” Cox told saints.com.au on Tuesday night.
“We don’t have an exact return date at this stage but it’s slightly worse than a traditional hamstring.”
Young midfielder Nathan Freeman is set to miss the next four to six weeks after he suffered a high ankle
After being marred by injury in his first few years in the AFL, the 22-year-old has played 13 games in the VFL this season, along with three in the pre-season.
“Nathan hurt his ankle in a tackle early in the VFL game on Saturday. He doesn’t require surgery, but is likely to miss the next four to six weeks with the injury,” Cox said.
“It’s been a really positive year for ‘Freezer’, he’s played 13 games in the VFL plus a few in the pre-season, so it’s been a big step foot forward for him.”
Cox said star midfielder David Armitage made a successful return from
“‘Armo’ played
“We’ll continue to take a conservative approach with his recovery, training and game volume over the next few weeks as we gradually build him back up to an AFL return.”
Injury List 25/7/17
Leigh Montagna (hamstring) indefinite
Nathan Freeman (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Paddy McCartin (concussion) indefinite
Hugh Goddard (foot) season
Nick Coughlan (hamstring) indefinite
Darren Minchington (ankle) season
