PIRATES have received a huge body blow just hours before their Elite League play-off semi-final – with Antonio Lindback ruled out.

The Swedish international, drafted in as a replacement for the sidelined Hans Andersen, has suffered a recurrence of a stomach problem which has caused him health issues in the past.

Poole are tonight due to travel to Wolverhampton in the second leg of the semi-final, the Dorset side holding a 12-point lead.

The visitors will use rider replacement for The Rio Rocket, who is currently undergoing tests in hospital in his homeland.

Lindback is expected to be out for at least two or three days. He is due to ride in the Grand Prix in Torun on Saturday.

Pirates boss Matt Ford said: "We are devastated by the news that we received early this morning.

"Sadly, it has left the club in an awful position on the day of the most important meeting of the season.

"With Danny King and Chris Harris already guesting for Belle Vue and Wolverhampton, respectively, we have little option other than to use the rider replacement facility.

"That will place further burden on all the team and I can only hope the guys can carry the battle for us as we desperately want to remain on course for that fourth successive title."

Pirates were already without Bjarne Pedersen before Lindback's stomach problem came to light.

Swindon's Rohan Tungate guests for Pedersen.

Ford was speaking to the club website.