The latest update on Romain Febvre and his ankle injury is that he will undergo surgery and is facing a lengthy layoff.

He unfortunately caught an edge in the wave section and was thrown from his bike while running in a podium spot at the opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina. There was initial concern from some of a broken leg but fears were eased when Febvre posted an update that showed swelling to his ankle but no mention of a break.

The former world champion, who had promised so much in pre-season racing plus a MXGP Qualifying race victory, underwent further exams today where he was attended to by Orthopaedic specialist Dr. Geert Peersman at the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA). After the assessment, Dr Peersman delivered the tough news that the Frenchman had broken his ankle in two places and will require surgical repair, which is scheduled for Tuesday March 12.

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Recovery is expected to take six weeks to heal after the date of the operation.

This puts Febvre out of at least three grands prix – MXGP of Great Britain, MXGP of The Netherlands and MXGP of Trentino in Italy. All being well Febvre could return for the Monster Energy MXGP of Lombardia on May 12; however, it all but ends his 2019 title ambitions.

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