Belle Vue's Double Injury Blows

LEIGH Lanham is out of Belle Vue's hectic weekend programme of three away Elite League matches in four days.

And heat leader Peter Karlsson is a major doubt after suffering arm and leg injuries in a major pile-up in Sweden on Tuesday.

It has thrown the plans of team boss Chris Morton into confusion for the matches at Lakeside on Friday, Eastbourne on Saturday and Poole on Monday.

He has called in Glasgow's in-form Aussie, Josh Grajczonek, to replace Lanham at Lakeside and Eastbourne with Salford rider Ricky Ashworth, the Sheffield captain, stepping in at Poole.

Morton is waiting to see how Karlsson feels nearer the time before making a decision but he will bring in a guest replacement if the Swedish star decides to stay at home.

He said: “Lanham's injury isn't going to be long term but he is very sore and has decided it would be too soon to try to ride this weekend.

“It's a big blow because he used to ride for Lakeside and his knowledge of the track would have been invaluable for us.

“He has proved to be a great signing for us and has emerged as a secret weapon in our early fixtures.

“Fortunately, Grajczonek has been in good form in the Premier League and both he and Ashworth will be keen to make the most of their chances.

“Karlsson is very sore after his crash and we are waiting for him to decide if he can make it. If not, we will bring in a guest replacement.”

Wednesday 28th April 2010