NICOLAI Klindt suffered extensive injuries to his right knee in his Latvian crash – but is targeting a return within two weeks.

The Pirates star was racing for Krakow at Daugavpils in the Polish second tier on Sunday when he was wiped out by home rider Siergiej Logaczow.

Klindt underwent a scan in Denmark today which showed he had suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a partially torn medial collateral ligament, a torn meniscus and damaged cartilage on the tibia.

However, the popular Dane is due to delay an operation which could sideline him for up to a year. And with intense rehabilitation, he believes he can swiftly be back on a bike.

Klindt told the Daily Echo: "If I was a football player I would have an operation straight away and undergo nine to 12 months of rehab but I can't do that.

"I need to race because I can't afford to be out for the season. I would have to sell all my equipment.

"The plan is to speak to my physio tomorrow and then make a decision, as well as speaking to the best knee surgeon in Denmark, Paul Tordrup, on Monday to seek advice.

"If I ride, there will be a great chance of worsening the injury but I will have to deal with that.

"I'm going to be back within the next two to three weeks, I can promise that."