IT'S been a case of good news, bad news on the injury front for Leigh RMI this week.

The good news is that key midfielder Steve Thompson is almost ready to return after missing the first two months of the season. But the anticipated return of Thompson has been tempered by the fact that his midfield sidekick Dave Ridings is out with a worrying knee injury.

Ex-Wanderer Thompson hasn't figured in any league games this season after damaging a knee in a pre-season warm-up game. What was initially thought to be minor cartilage damage, turned out to be more serious and only now is the experienced thirtysomething fit to return.

Thompson is expected to start his comeback with the reserves against Chester in midweek.

Ridings, however, has been limited to just six starts this season because of a knee problem. He was due to have a scan yesterday with the results expected early next week.

RMI have been paired with their old rivals Chorley in the first round of the Marsden Lancashire Cup. The first round tie takes place at Victory Park on November 13.