Ipswich Witches captain Chris Louis has revealed that his shoulder injury is not healing quickly and he is undecided about his future.
He has limited movement in the joint and is resisting the suggestion of a further operation at the moment.
He told BBC Radio Suffolk: "The damage is extensive and the bones are not healing. I can't return until I'm fit."
The veteran has revealed he is also been talking to Mark Loram, who has not ridden this season due to injury.
Louis said: "He is still open about riding but knows he has to make a decision soon, but he hasn't said no yet."
The captain says that, although the team building total average will not be known until the promoters' meeting in November, the Witches hope to confirm a couple of riders for 2009 over the next few weeks.
One possibility is an exchange of assets between Ipswich and Peterborough of Danny King and Piotr Swiderski. Although the two clubs have not discussed a deal, Louis claimed that there is scope for movement and things should progress fairly soon.
Louis added: "We'd love to have Rory Schlein, but he's a Coventry asset and his future for 2009 is in his and Coventry's hands."
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