Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has been forced out of this weekend’s Russian round of the 2017 MXGP World Championship due to a broken shoulder-blade.

The defending champion sustained the injury at the Teutschenthal event in Germany and will receive treatment over the coming weeks in his home country of Slovenia.

“This is something I was really trying to avoid as I really do not want to miss any races,” said Gajser. “Unfortunately, my shoulder injury is a little worse than we first realised, so I have to accept that I can’t race this weekend in Russia.

“I want to make sure it is fully recovered before I come back. I will really miss racing in Russia, especially as it is the first race over there since 2012.

“I just want to say I am sorry to my fans, sponsors, team, Honda and all the other people who help me be where I am. In terms of my recovery we all agree that it is the right decision, and one thing I can say is that I will come back stronger!”

A return date is yet to be confirmed for Gajser as he races to return to competition health. Gajser currently sits fourth overall in the MXGP series standings 86 points behind leader Antonio Cairoli.