Lukas Dryml has told Eastbourne he can make a spectacular comeback from injury in time for the play-offs.

But that is unlikely to prevent Eagles bosses discussing their options, and the possibility of hiring a short-term replacement, when they meet at Arlington today.

Dryml was in the operating theatre for several hours yesterday under-going surgery on the broken thigh bone he suffered in a horrific smash in the win at Birmingham on Thursday.

The hugely popular Czech star is renowned for his willingness to ride through pain and was in good spirits when he chatted at Sandwell hospital with brother Ales, who was riding in the meeting for Birmingham.

Ales has been updating Eastbourne on his brother’s condition.

Eagles co-promoter Trevor Geer said last night: “Lukas wants to be back in five weeks. He wants to be back for the play-offs and, knowing him, he will be. He had been riding recently the best he has in years and is so massively committed to Eastbourne speedway.”

Eagles will use their former reserve Ollie Allen, who is now with King’s Lynn, as guest for Dryml at No.2 when Swindon visit today (4pm).

They have no intention of releasing any riders, which means they would be limited in their choice if they looked to make a temporary signing for Dryml.

Geer said: “There are riders out there on averages which would fit but we would not want to get in a position where Lukas could not come back in.”