Image: Simon Cudby.

Reigning two-time MX Nationals champion Matt Moss has been injured training in the US, expected to take up to six weeks off the bike in the lead-up to his 2015 title defence.

Moss had planned to contest the opening six rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross for the second-consecutive season, however a shoulder injury will see him return home prematurely as confirmed on social media this morning.

“Just got back from the hospital; I have popped my shoulder out!” Moss announced. “I have a stretched [AC] and damaged my muscles and nerves in my rotator cuff – be back in six weeks. Sorry to all my fans and sponsors. This trip was not what I wanted, but I will bounce back better then ever.”

During the opening four rounds Moss has been unable to qualify for the main event in the stacked 450SX field, but will now turn his attention to the MX Nationals season opener at Horsham in Victoria on 29 March.

Prior to the AMA season starting, Moss’ twin brother Jake was also injured while training in California, yet to return from a leg injury sustained in late December.