PIOTR Swiderski has broken a bone in his hand, it was confirmed last night, and could be out for two to three weeks.That was the disappointing news to come out of the Ipswich Evening Star Witches camp last night with the popular Pole staying in England over the next fortnight in a bid to quicken his recovery.

Mike Bacon

SPEEDWAY

By Mike Bacon

PIOTR Swiderski has broken a bone in his hand, it was confirmed last night, and could be out for two to three weeks.

That was the disappointing news to come out of the Ipswich Evening Star Witches camp last night with the popular Pole staying in England over the next fortnight in a bid to quicken his recovery.

Swiderski crashed while practising on the Heath after Thursday night's loss to Lakeside - a meeting he had just netted 18 points in.

His form has been sensational so far this season and his loss will be a big blow to the Witches.

“His treatment starts on Tuesday and the hospital has said two to three weeks,” team manager Pete Simmons said.

“We have booked Rory Schlein as a guest Chris Louis at Belle Vue on Monday night, and we will use rider replacement for Piotr, which will mean every rider can have an extra ride.

“Quite honestly we haven't thought any further ahead than that.

“It's a bad situation for us because Piotr has been simply outstanding for us so far this season.”

Swiderski's loss will be felt by the Witches, who are still smarting from Thursday's defeat and Jarek Hampel's non-appearance after getting delayed in Poland.

“We will be having words with Jarek,” Simmons added.

“Let's hope it fires him up on Monday.”

Meanwhile it is thought Coventry will re-declare their side over the weekend, with Hans Andersen in it. That in turn is sure to release one rider, with Schlein expected to be the man to lose his place at the Brandon Stadium.

Where he ends up is open to debate, but Ipswich would certainly welcome him, and that could become reality as it is now thought, Ryan Sullivan could well make a surprise return to the East of England Showground to replace Andersen, meaning Schlein could be on his way to Foxhall.

Still much negotiation on that front, although if that is the case, it is likely Schlein could be in the Witches side on Thursday for the Belle Vue return clash.

mike.bacon@archant.co.uk