Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ivo Monticelli has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2021 MXGP season after experiencing complications from a dislocated shoulder initially sustained in Belgium.

The decision comes after further medical examinations revealed surgery was the only option to alleviate the discomfort and prevent Monticelli’s shoulder from continually dislocating.

“I had more medical examinations when I got back to Italy and doctor Porcellini will carry out surgery on Wednesday,” Monticelli explained after attempting to continue the season in Turkey, only to have his shoulder pop out again.

“There was no other solution for my shoulder and, unfortunately, I have to end my season as the recovery period is between two and three months. After that I will be able to start riding again but the racing season will be over.

“I want to thank everyone at the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team for their support, they gave me the best support I could expect throughout the season and I wish Romain [Febvre] good luck in his chase for the world title.”

Monticelli experienced a difficult start to his campaign, however, a fifth in moto two at the MXGP of Czech Republic was a positive sign that things were improving. Unfortunately at the next round in Belgium, Monticelli’s crash and subsequent shoulder injury put a halt to his upward trend of form.

With the final round of the 2021 world championship set to take place on 10 November at Mantova, the recovery period means that the Kawasaki rider will now shift his attention to being fully fit to resume riding once the season concludes.