Josh Cachia has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals series due to an ongoing wrist injury that will require immediate surgery.

It’s devastating blow for the Carlton Dry Honda Racing rider who was the fastest MX2 qualifier at yesterday’s round six of the series at Appin in New South Wales.

The 21 year-old has a fractured scaphoid in his left wrist which originated from crash in 2011. In addition, nerve issues in his right wrist, described as similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, have left him with severe numbness in three of his fingers.

“It has been an ongoing battle which I have worked really hard with my trainer to maintain and manage through the first half of the season,” Cachia said.

“I have had cortisone injections and countless physiotherapy sessions. To be honest it has been a massive investment just to get to the track.”

After consultation with Suzuki RACESAFE Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Laurie Malisano, it was collectively agreed the only course of action was to seek immediate surgery to ensure no further damage and a full a recovery.

“I never doubt myself on a bike and never think anything other than I can win, but today I was out there racing and all I could think was I shouldn’t be out here it is not safe,” he added.

“You can’t ignore something that is staring you straight in the face. There is never a good time for an injury but I have to face the fact that I need to have the operation done as soon as possible.

“I really appreciative the support from the team, Honda and Carlton Dry, it makes it a whole lot easier to accept knowing that they have my back.”

Cachia will undergo a full assessment with surgeons today in Brisbane ahead of surgery later in the week, stay tuned for a planned return date when we have it.