POOLE Pirates boss Neil Middleditch fears losing Chris Holder for the start of 2015 with his spearhead set for surgery on a dislocated and fractured wrist.

The Aussie ace, 27, today confirmed via social media that he would go under the knife tomorrow following his spill in a practice session ahead of the third round in Undera.

Holder, who last month agreed to return to Pirates following a brief sabbatical from British speedway, posted on Twitter: "On route to Melbourne for surgery tomorrow. Tough to accept these things but that's the way it goes. Just get it sorted out and move on."

Middleditch revealed how the injury had been further complicated by existing metal work in Holder's wrist, put in place when he broke the same arm in June, with surgeons set to assess the full extent of once the operation commences.

And Poole's manager warned the setback could hinder Holder's prospects at the start of 2015 should win his race against time to kick off the campaign.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “There is a risk because we do not know how bad the break is or what the operation involves until they get in there and have a look at it.

“I have been in contact with Chris and seen a picture of his arm and it looked pretty nasty. To do the same wrist again is not a good thing.

“Chris has not long come back from a very bad injury so in the bigger picture you would hope this proves to be a minor blip.

“I don't think he knows or wants to second guess what will happen until he has operation but it is still a huge setback for him. He will not be able to do any pre-season practice as far as we know.

“We are the 100 metre sprinters of motor cycle world but it is still a very physical sport. You have to be mentally and physically strong so you cannot just come back from the winter, jump on a bike and expect to race competitively.

“You need to be able to train and build up the muscles. He can work on his legs and do bits and pieces but the wrists are quite important for speedway.

“Strength and flexibility are integral for holding and controlling the handlebars and he will not be able to do anything other than his physiotherapy for quite a while.”