ROBINS boss Alun Rossiter concedes that Lewis Rose’s extended spell on the sidelines is a blow for both rider and team as Swindon head towards a season-defining spell of meetings.

Reserve Rose faces at least another month on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a fractured scaphoid following his fall in last week’s victory over Poole at the Abbey Stadium.

The youngster suffered ligament damage to his right shoulder after the incident during the Robins’ 50-42 triumph over the reigning Elite League champions and was told to wait for swelling to reduce before undergoing scans on his wrist.

Subsequent x-ray results confirmed the fracture, with Rose required to wear a cast for four weeks.

The news is a setback for Rossiter’s side, who roar back into Elite League action next week.

Swindon go to Wolverhampton on Monday and then Poole on Wednesday, followed by back-to-back meetings home and away against Lakeside Hammers on Thursday and Friday of next week.

A hectic spell of eight meetings in 17 days through August could make or break their play-off ambitions.

Rossiter, who will draft Ashley Morris in to face former club Wolverhampton on Monday, told the Advertiser: “I’m a bit gutted for Lewis because I felt that he had just started to turn a bit of a corner for us.

“He was getting there. Troy (Batchelor, team skipper) has been a big help to him too so it’s a blow.’’ Swindon are a point behind fourth-placed Belle Vue, who sit in the final play-off spot, but have ridden several fewer meetings and Rossiter is looking forward to the resumption of his side’s campaign.

“Probably the biggest problem we’ve had is continuity,’’ he said, referring to a spell that has seen his side ride only five times since the start of June.