Image: Supplied.

Reigning MXGP world champion Tim Gajser will undergo surgery on a broken right femur sustained at the Italian international championship in Arco di Trento.

Gajser, 26, was using the event to prepare for his upcoming MXGP title defence when it all went wrong in the second moto, landing heavily after a big jump and having to be taken off the track by medics.

A full check-up at the hospital revealed the extent of the injury, with an operation now required to repair the damage and once complete, a timeline can be assessed regarding his return on two wheels.

Prior to the crash, Gajser finished second in the opening moto at Trentino and was gearing up to fight for his fifth world title, with the 2023 MXGP World Championship commencing on 12 March at Villa La Angostura; the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina.