Doyle, 34, is back in the UK over Christsmas after his surgery and three weeks recovering in Newcastle where he caught up with family and friends.

The 2017 world champion told the Swindon Advertiser he was pleased to see the back of the arm injury that had caused minor cramping pains when certain movements are executed.

"The injury happened after a crash in Sweden, I tore the bicep off the bone," he said.

"It hasn't hampered my racing, but I wanted to get it fixed.

"A well-known surgeon has repaired it and my recovery is going well.

"I'm out of the sling and the strength is back in my arm. I wish I had it done a couple of years ago, but I just didn't have the time because of a few other injuries too.

"I'd being lying if I said I woke up feeling great every morning.

"I've had a lot of injuries over the years, but that is part and parcel of any sport - we're pushing our bodies to the limit.

"Speedway is a short career, and you have to make the most of it. My arm is feeling great now, so I need to push forward and not worry about it.

"December is mainly downtime for me. I'm back in England now, though not worrying about fitness too much at the moment - it's a case of keeping on top of things.

"Any weight I put on I'll have to lose, so I'll enjoy the time off before a hectic couple of months before the season."