Charley Powell is hoping to win a race against time after smashing his collarbone in three places.

The Eastbourne Eagles reserve is having laser treatment to speed up the recovery process after being ruled out for up to eight weeks.

Powell suffered the injury in a smash with former Eagles skipper Richie Andrews in Monday’s defeat at Cradley. He misses the big one tonight as Eastbourne take on champions and leaders Birmingham at Arlington (7.30pm).

A couple of late line-up changes mean Ben Hopwood returns for Eagles as guest for Ellis Perks while they operate rider-replacement for injured Gary Cottham.

Connor Dugard will manage the team. He had been due to step down for Jason Pipe, who was keen to take charge against the Brummies but is now unavailable.

Powell said: “I’ve smashed the collarbone to pieces. Richie broke down in front of me and I had nowhere to go. It was nobody’s fault.

“The hospital have told me they can’t plate it because I’m too young. I’ve made a call to try and get things sped up with laser surgery.”

The injury came at a particularly bad time for Powell, who has been in prolific form.

His absence means Luke Harris will partner Tom Brennan at reserve against the Brummies.

Powell said: “The last few weeks have gone better. I’ve started being a bit more consistent and staying on the bike and scoring. The injury is one of those things. No hard feelings.”

Powell admits the injury has made life tough for him away from the track in his day job as a carpenter. But he plans to be at Arlington tonight from his Bromley home to cheer his side on.

Hopwood is among the riders eligible for an extra outing in place of Cottham.

Jade Mudgway, the Buxton rider who suffered a head injury in a collision involving Powell at Arlington, has quit speedway.

He has been told he risks serious problems should he suffer another blow to the head.