Image: Supplied.

MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings will likely not compete for the remainder of 2022, requiring surgery on both left and right lower limbs in an attempt to be fully fit for next year.

Herlings broke his left heel in the build-up to the opening round of the 2022 MXGP World Championship. As ‘The Bullet’ has not recovered sufficiently since, the decision was made to undergo two further medical procedures.

This means Herlings is set to miss this year’s MXGP season altogether and is ruled out of competing in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship that commences on 29 May at Fox Raceway.

“I wish the situation was not like this and it’s so frustrating that my career keeps throwing things at me,” Herlings explained. “I’ve been recovering from the injury but the condition of my foot – because of some old problems – means it is not in the best shape and not enough to think about racing at the highest level this summer.

“It’s a bummer not to run the number one plate in MXGP or to think about the chance of doing the AMA Pro Nationals but we’ve made our decision and now my only goal is to get my body right, get pain-free and think about preparation for 2023.

“It feels like a long way away but I know it will also come quickly. Thanks to all my fans for the messages of support and of course to the best team in the sport. Red Bull KTM has always had my back and I’m really grateful they still do.”