David Norris faces four weeks out of action for Eastbourne Eagles after failing a fitness test.

But Dean Barker could be back next week after undergoing surgery today.

A scan found fragments of loose bone in an arm socket and Barker had an operation to clear the area. He could return at Ipswich next Thursday.

The news is less promising on Norris who, like Barker, was injured in a fall at Swindon last month. Norris had a spin at Arlington today, with team manager Trevor Geer in attendance, and struggled with the after affects of a head injury.

Geer said: "Once he got out there he had a problem with vision and his co-ordination coming into corners and that was riding on his own.

"We will now see what options we have."

Edward Kennett guests for Nicki Pedersen, who is on GP duty, as Eagles look to claw back a 25-point deficit against the struggling Cheetahs.

Eagles will operate rider-replacement for Norris and are seeking a guest for Barker .

At reserve, Trevor Harding replaces the injured Cameron Woodward and Stefan Andersson returns after scoring 4 (4) for his Swedish track Piraterna in a 58-38 Elitserien win at Kaparna on Tuesday.

Oxford have yet to delcare their team but are missing Jesper B Jensen and Lubos Tomicek.