Massive Boost as Pickering Returns but Castagna Crashes Out

NEWS Monday 19th June 2023, 4:00pm

by PR Team

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Stellar Monarchs are buoyed by news of the return from injury of captain Josh Pickering, but suffer a new blow with injury to Paco Castagna ahead of Friday's Cab Direct home clash with Birmingham Brummies.

Pickering suffered a shoulder injury at Berwick back in April in the early stages of the season and has struggled to recover since. Eventually, bruising to the bone was discovered as the longer term cause of his pain.

However, having sought extensive medical treatment, Josh successfully returned to the saddle for a practice session in Poland on Saturday followed by an excellent performance in the Polish league on Sunday.

Josh's return is a big boost to the team as he brings significant power at the top of the team and is a huge character in the pits.

However, this positivity is tempered by fresh injury concerns for Paco Castagna who has suffered a dislocated shoulder and cracked humerus while racing in Italy on Sunday.

Paco will have further scans in the coming days once the swelling subsides to check if any nerve or muscle damage has been done but anticipates a return to racing within a month.

Meanwhile, Craig Cook continues to rest his ongoing back injury and continues to assess when he will be able to return to action. News on whether or not Craig will be able to race on Friday will come later this week.

Coming up at Armadale Stadium

Friday 23rd June May, 7:30pm - Stellar Monarchs v Birmingham Brummies

Friday 30th June, 7:30pm - Stellar Monarchs Academy v Berwick Bullets

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