Image: Supplied.

Recent shoulder surgery has sidelined nine-time world champion Antonio Cairoli for the remainder of the 2019 MXGP World Championship.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider sustained the injury at the Latvian grand prix, and following further medical examination, it was determined season-ending surgery was required to repair the damage.

“It is sad to finish the championship this way and it hasn’t happened too many times in my career,” Cairoli explained. “When I tried to ride last week I knew I had some problems but I wanted to stay positive about the recovery.

“I had more scans in Belgium and the injury was much worse that we thought so they told me to have surgery right away and it was the best solution to get healthy again in the fastest way. Thanks to the team and to the fans for the support. I hope to visit a few races before the end of the season and will now concentrate on getting better.”

The Italian is anticipated to be on the sidelines for a period of three to four months. The MXGP World Championship resumes this weekend at Semarang in Indonesia.