TOMMY LEE could be sidelined for up to four months.
The 24-year-old in-form Giants’ utility man suffered knee ligament damage in the opening moments of his side’s 22-4 home Super League triumph over former club Hull FC at the Galpharm on Easter Monday.
And although initial scans have already confirmed Lee damaged ligaments, the full extent of the injury has still to be determined.
“Tommy Lee has sustained knee ligament damage,” reported Giants physio Nathan Mill.
“He requires further specialist opinion as to the extent of the damage and may be out for up to four months.”
Galpharm chiefs are obviously hoping Lee is absent for a far shorter period.
But they do at least have quality cover for the former Wakefield man in England hooker Shaun Lunt.
The 24-year-old’s senior appearances have been restricted because of Lee’s form.
And Giants coach Nathan Brown knows Lunt will be keen to make the most of his opportunity.
“Even though Lunty hasn’t featured many times so far this season, he’s been training as well as ever,” said Brown.
“We always knew he’d have an important role to play for us this season, and that time has now come.
“We all know Lunty will be determined to make the most of his chance.”
Lunt was absent from the Giants’ 17 that beat Hull on Easter Monday to move two points clear at the top of the Super League XVII table.
But he is now ready to feature in Sunday’s Challenge Cup fourth-round tie against the same opponents at the KC Stadium (3.00).
