BRITISH hero Scott Nicholls has revealed he is set to sit out the beginning of the season.
The 7-time British champion crashed heavily in the Cab Direct KO Cup final, live on BSN, dislocating his shoulder.
Taking to social media he said "Not the news I wanted to be delivering. But I'd like to share where I'm at.
"As you know my season ended with an unfortunate crash where I dislocated my left shoulder.
"As we all do, I was sure it would just be a case of a couple of weeks rest and a bit of physio and I'd be back to business.
"Sadly, that isn't the case and I have to have surgery on 26th November.
"It's a race against time to be fit and I will work hard to be back as soon as I can, but sadly, I won't be ready to start the season"
The news will come as a blow to Oxford management and fans, as Nicholls was hotly-tipped to return to the Sandy Lane outfit.
He continued "I have informed Oxford Speedway and they will be doing what they can to build the best team possible for the start of the season without my presence.
"I am truly devestated by the current situation, but as you all know, I'll do my best to be back ASAP!"
The Cheetahs captain will be a miss for Oxford after forming a formidable spearhead alongside Sam Masters in the 2024 season, continuing to increase his average at the remarkable age of 46.