Reigning champion Jeffrey Herlings has officially confirmed his withdrawal from this weekend’s opening round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship at Neuquen in Argentina.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider is still recovering from a complex surgery on his right foot due to a training accident sustained in Spain last month, where it was revealed he’d unlikely make the season-opener.

The Austrian manufacturer has stated the Dutchman is due for further medical consultation on 11 March, where he’s anticipated to change from a full cast to a lighter support, and ultimately determine the full length of his recovery time.

“I cannot really feel too much with my foot because of the cast but it seems to be progressing well after the operation and I’m looking forward to having some of the pins removed in a couple of weeks when I can also change the cast,” Herlings explained.

“It’s a pity to miss Argentina. I think last year was one of the best races of the season. It’s also one of my favourite tracks: wide, fast and sandy. It’s a big shame that we won’t be there but it is what it is.”

KTM motocross sport director Joel Smets added: “Jeffrey’s injury is not as ‘simple’ as a collarbone or another part of the body. It’s quite tricky actually and it is something that we will have to monitor and look at the rehabilitation. Obviously a rider’s foot comes under a lot of punishment in motocross with the many jumps and bumps.

“So we are being careful and will hopefully have a better idea in the coming weeks of how his recovery is going. Of course we will miss him in Argentina but the rest of the crew with Tony, Jorge and Tom means Red Bull KTM will still be ready to go for the kind of results Jeffrey would be shooting for.”