Image: Simon Cudby.

AutoTrader.com/Monster Energy/JGR Yamaha’s Justin Barcia will be sidelined indefinitely following the decision to undergo thumb surgery this week.

The injury, sustained prior to the season opening round of the 2016 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, has been determined by MRI as a tear to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament.

According to a post on his Instagram account, Barcia injured the thumb just one week before the Anaheim event and racing with the injury is far too painful.

“I injured my hand the week before A1 and will undergo surgery this week it’s a tough pill to swallow with how hard I worked this year and was ready to be in the mix for race wins,” said Barcia. “I tried to race but it’s just not realistic with how bad the pain is.”

There’s no exact timetable for a return, but there are hopes Barcia will return later in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Phil Nicoletti, who filled-in for the suspended Westion Peick in San Diego, is expected to take Barcia’s position.