Head coach Rob Elliot told the News & Star that he plans to include the striker in the squad for the FA Cup clash with Salford City.

The first round tie against Armstrong’s former club on Saturday could now see him back involved for the first time this season.

It comes as the 30-year-old prepares to return to action after being sidelined since pre-season with an ankle injury.

Armstrong was involved in the pre-match warm-up at United’s recent game at Solihull Moors, since when he has been continuing to build up his fitness.

Asked for an update on the frontman, Elliot said: “He's good. He should hopefully be on the bench for Salford and we will try to get him some minutes.

“There's a few players we could get minutes out of [in that game], but we'll see.

The striker, right, is back from a pre-season ankle injury (Image: Richard Parkes)

“We will make sure he comes through a good week first and, if we get Luke back, that would really add to the firepower.”

Elliot will check on the fitness of Teddy Jenks this week after the midfielder went off at half-time with a knee problem in the 4-2 win at Altrincham.

Other sidelined players are close to returning, meanwhile, Elliot confirmed.

“Georgie Kelly and Jack Ellis aren't far away as well,” he said.

“So it helps the squad get a bit stronger.”

Elliot, meanwhile, said the early stages of this week are seeing the players given some time off to recuperate after their recent exertions.

Last week’s nine-man win over Harrogate Town, followed by Saturday’s excellent victory at Altrincham, is now being followed by some downtime before Salford preparations resume.

“We need to make sure we give the lads plenty of rest,” said Elliot.

“We are giving them a couple of days off just to go and recharge their batteries and then we'll look to build into Salford.

“Then we'll look to reassess again for the start of another busy period.”