SWINDON Robins have been dealt a blow in the wake of their eighth successive win, with youngster Zach Wajtknecht ruled out for the season.

The 19-year-old suffered a damaged spleen when he fell into bend three of the first lap of heat 12, from the lead.

The recently crowned British U19 champion went heavily into the inflatable fence, with team manager Alun Rossiter stating after the 22-point win over Poole Pirates that the teenager was struggling with his breathing.

Wajtknecht was taken to Great Western Hospital where checks and observations showed that he had damaged his spleen and will spend the next few days in hospital before a decision is made as to whether or not surgery is required.

“It’s obviously a massive blow, both for Zach and for the team,” said Rossiter, with Wajtknecht proving an important part in the Swindon septet, having raised his average from 2.56 at the start of the season to 3.12 before last night’s meeting, in which he picked up 4+2 points.

“Our first thoughts are to wish him all the very best – we are all behind him.

“I’m not quite sure what options we have from here, I will spend the day looking at it.”

The youngster later released a statement to say a scan had shown a 'badly ruptured spleen' as well as 'a small puncture' to his lung. 

Wajtknect's statement read: “Good start to last night with two paid wins.

“Unfortunately in my last ride made a good start but just ran out of room and span the bike around and landed heavily on my left side.

“Spent all night in hospital at Swindon had a CT scan which showed that my spleen is badly ruptured and a small puncture in my lung.

“Got transferred to Southmead Hospital this morning, hopefully it will be able to heal naturally which should take a few days in here - if not maybe an op!

“Thanks to everyone for their help at Swindon should have some more news over the weekend.”