Jeffrey Herlings injury update – MXGP Argentina out, March a concern

Jeffrey Herlings’ foot injury will keep him from competing at the MXGP of Argentina this weekend in Patagonia, the Red Bull KTM Facing Racing team confirmed today.

“Jeffrey’s injury is not as ‘simple’ as a collarbone or another part of the body,” said KTM Motocross Sport Director, Joel Smets in a press release.

“It’s quite tricky actually and it is something that we will have to monitor and look at the rehabilitation.”

The reigning world champion is recovering from what the team calls a “complex surgery” which was necessary following a crash while training in Spain in January.

Fans will now need to wait until at least mid-March before they’ll get another update with Herlings set for a check-up on March 11 to change from a full cast to a lighter support and at this stage, they will evaluate the healing process.

“I cannot really feel too much with my foot because of the cast but it seems to be progressing well after the operation and I’m looking forward to having some of the pins removed in a couple of weeks when I can also change the cast,” said Herlings.

“It’s a pity to miss Argentina. I think last year was one of the best races of the season. It’s also one of my favourite tracks: wide, fast and sandy. It’s a big shame that we won’t be there but it is what it is.”

The second round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will be held at Matterley Basin, scene of an epic British GP battle between Herlings and team-mate, Tony Cairoli, last year. But the March 24 date may just come a little too soon for the injured 24-year-old.

“Obviously a rider’s foot comes under a lot of punishment in motocross with the many jumps and bumps,” added Smets. “So we are being careful and will hopefully have a better idea in the coming weeks of how his recovery is going. Of course we will miss him in Argentina but the rest of the crew with Tony, Jorge and Tom means Red Bull KTM will still be ready to go for the kind of results Jeffrey would be shooting for.”

What may be more likely is targetting a home soil comeback at round three, MXGP of The Netherlands in Valkenswaard on March 31. That will no doubt keep the Dutchman motivated and still keep his ’19 championship ambitions alive.

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