LIONS HIT BY BECKER BLOW

LEICESTER star Luke Becker is facing a period on the sidelines after suffering back injuries in a crash in Poland on Sunday.

American racer Becker, who has been in excellent form in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership this season, was involved in an accidental collision with team-mate Frederik Jakobsen in the final race of his match for Ostrow.

He was taken to hospital immediately where it was confirmed he has sustained fractures to three vertebrae, although he does have feeling and movement in his legs.

Becker was then transferred to a specialist for further scans to assess whether an operation will be necessary.

The news comes as a major blow to the play-off chasing Lions as Becker had forged an impressive opening pairing with captain Max Fricke, and they will now be assessing their options over the coming weeks.