St Helens prop Matty Lees has revealed the timing of his MCL injury and expected return date. The forward believes he copped the blow in the final minute of England’s second Test victory over Samoa but he isn’t expected to be out for too long.

Lees played in both Tests against the Pacific Island nation last autumn, with the Saints enforcer confirming the timing of the knock, which has seen him have an off-season dominated by rehab. However, the 26-year-old is now back running and is targeting a place in Saints’ squad for both the pre-season and Super League round one games against Salford Red Devils.

Paul Wellens’ side first meet Salford on Sunday 25 January in what is Morgan Knowles’ official testimonial match, with the two clubs then meeting again on the opening Super League round come Saturday 15 February.

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Speaking to Saints TV, Lees, who has reported to the club over the Christmas period in a bid to get himself right for the new season, said: “I just picked up an MCL injury in probably the last minute of the last game of my season, but it’s nothing serious—just a couple of injections.

“The physio staff have been great with me. They’ve still given me a bit of time off, but I’ve been in and out over my off-season, but I’d rather be on the front foot with it and be ready for round one.

“I’m hopefully going to be heading for that testimonial game for Morgs. That’s where I am aiming for first, and we’ll see where we end up. I’m in over Christmas to try and get on the front foot with getting fit for the new year.”

Lees also commented on the arrivals of Lewis Murphy, Tristan Sailor, and Kyle Feldt, with all three players arriving from the NRL. He added: “There are quite a few new faces this time around: Lewis Murphy, Tristan (Sailor), and Kyle Feldt, but it’s good to be back in. There are some familiar faces as well, and I can’t wait to get amongst it and rip into round one.”

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