Arnaud Tonus will miss the start of the 2018 World Championship next weekend due to a shoulder injury. The Swiss ace dislocated his left shoulder in a crash during the Timed Practice session at the Masters of Motocross International, which took place in LaCapelle-Marival, France on the weekend of February 18. The twenty-six-year-old received medical attention at the circuit before returning to Switzerland where a specialist at the Hirslanden Hospital in Geneva assessed his shoulder. Following expert medical advice of Dr. Gregory Cunningham, Tonus underwent surgery to re-construct the shoulder on Tuesday 20th February.

Tonus will remain in Switzerland for the initial part of his rehabilitation where he has been advised to rest for the first few weeks before starting an intensive physiotherapy program, which will aim to have him back on the bike in the shortest mount of time possible. Tonus’ return to racing is currently unknown. The main focus is for the Swiss talent to take his time and to make a full and strong recovery.

Tonus said: “It’s really disappointing to start the season with a big injury like this. I did a lot of work in the winter, in the gym and with my diet, to be 100% ready for this season, and I felt great on the bike. Now, I need to change my goals and recover in the best way possible. I am confident with the doctors and people I have around me here in Geneva, and I am sure that when I come back, I will be strong and ready to show what I can do.”

He joins both HRC Honda men Tim Gajser and Brian Bogers who are both out through injuries, and former world champ Jordi Tixier who damaged his hand recently.