Swindon number five Troy Batchelor has suffered a suspected fractured elbow whilst participating in a practice session for his Polish club Leszno Bulls.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when Batchelor was struck by another rider.
Initial reports from Polish medical staff suggest the Australian youngster has suffered a fracture to his elbow. The Queenslander is flying back to Britain on Wednesday morning to have the injury assessed by a private hospital.
If the initial diagnosis is correct Batchelor is expected to be out of action for a four week period which will rule him out at least three elite league fixtures.
It will also mean Batchelor won’t be able to take his place in Saturday’s Grand Prix Qualifying round at Lonigo in Italy.
Swindon will operate rider replacement for Batchelor in the upcoming knockout cup meetings this week against Poole. The Australian’s 7.31 average means all of the Swindon team except Leigh Adams will be eligible for a rider replacement outing.
Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter was naturally disappointed by the news:
‘I feel so desperately sorry for Troy who has been performed extremely well this season. I spoke to him briefly and he is obviously devastated by the news and was feeling very down. He will listen to the advice of the doctors when he meets them tomorrow.’
Ahead of Wednesday’s knockout cup clash in Dorset the Pirates have an injury problem of their own.
In form reserve Magnus Zetterstrom has sustained hand injury in a crash in Sweden on Tuesday night, riding for Indianerna at Lejonen. Zetterstrom's place at number 6 in the side will be taken by Poole's number 8 Jordan Frampton for both matches.
Chris Seaward
Swindon Speedway Press Officer
Phone: 07788991473
e-mail: chris@swindon-speedway.co.uk
Club website: www.swindon-speedway.co.uk
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