NEWPORT Wasps have several injury concerns as they build up to Friday's Knockout Cup semi-final at Somerset.

Having largely escaped without any long-term injuries this season, all of Wasps' problems appear to have come at once just before their biggest match of the campaign.

Three of their riders have been hurt over the last week, with Barry Burchatt set to be ruled out with a broken wrist and doubts over two key middle-order riders.

Tom Hedley suffered concussion in a heavy crash at Sheffield last Thursday, while Tony Atkin rode through the pain barrier against the Isle of Wight on Sunday after hitting the fence while guesting for Berwick the previous evening.

Wasps promoter Tim Stone immediately surveyed the Premier League averages to assess whether a guest could be brought in but with three other matches taking place on the sameday there were simply not enough suitable options and Atkin rode despite being in pain from a back injury.

Wasps should have more guest options on Friday should both riders be ruled out, while if one of Hedley or Atkin makes it to the Oak Tree Arena, rider replacement will be used for the other.

A guest replacement will certainly be required at reserve and the absence of Burchatt is a blow, as he has been Wasps' most effective number seven for several recent seasons.

Stone said: "I'd say Tom is looking unlikely for Friday and we'll have a further update on Tony as well, so we'll be looking at our options as we need to re-group for that match.

"We're also looking at the reserve riders because of Barry being out, which was a result of him possibly riding above himself and not thinking the situation out.

"Having said that, he has been very good for us at reserve this season on both big and small tracks and he has progressed very well."

Wasps had no complaints about being out-pointed by the Isle of Wight last weekend, with the match raced in difficult conditions due to pre-meeting rain.

It left them outside the top 12 in the Premier League, with Mildenhall taking the four points they required against Berwick, and it means that the Knockout Cup matches are their only remaining official fixtures.

Stone said: "Conditions certainly weren't ideal at the beginning of the meeting in particular but I would also like to thank the Isle of Wight management for their co-operation, as it was important for both of us to get the meeting done.

"They are a good side and we had to accept that we were beaten by the better team, so there are no excuses and we wish them well for the play-offs."