Petra Vlhova will miss at least one more month of competition due to ongoing knee issues.
## What happened?

The Olympic slalom champion underwent knee surgery last winter and has been experiencing discomfort in her right knee.
Her team announced that mid-January is the earliest possible return date, but it depends on medical test results.
## Why it matters for Petra Vlhova

Vlhova's coach, Mauro Pini, stated that "not everything is going as planned" with her recovery.
Pini expects to know more about Vlhova's ability to handle a full load by the end of December.
## What comes next?

Vlhova has been sidelined since falling in a January 20 race, tearing at least one right knee ligament.
On October 21, Vlhova reported no pain, but by mid-November, her team said she would return to on-snow training in early December.
Now, her team says mid-January is the earliest possible return date.
Vlhova's primary rival, Mikaela Shiffrin, is also sidelined indefinitely after suffering a puncture wound and severe muscle trauma in a November 30 giant slalom.
The next World Cup races in slalom and GS are scheduled for December 28-29 in Semmering, Austria, and January 4-5 in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.
Austrian Katharina Liensberger is the only other active woman to win a World Cup season title in slalom, achieving this in 2021.
Vlhova has won 21 World Cup slaloms between March 2017 and November 2024, while Shiffrin has won 38.
Medical exams have confirmed a "very good condition" of the operated area and "high knee stability," but Vlhova still experiences discomfort.
Comprehensive examinations revealed cartilage damage, requiring further specialized care.
Vlhova's team is working hard to support her return to competitive skiing.
Pini stated that they are "fully united as a team" to help Vlhova recover.
The 29-year-old Slovakian athlete is eager to return to the slopes.
Her recovery process is being closely monitored by her team and medical professionals.
The World Cup schedule will continue without Vlhova and Shiffrin for the time being.
The absence of these two top athletes will likely impact the competition.
Vlhova's fans are waiting anxiously for her return to the sport.
The upcoming World Cup races will be exciting to watch, with other athletes vying for the top spots.
Vlhova's injury setback is a disappointment, but she is determined to recover and compete again.
Her team is committed to supporting her throughout the recovery process.
The road to recovery will be challenging, but Vlhova is focused on returning to her best form.
The Alpine Skiing World Cup will continue to be competitive, even without Vlhova and Shiffrin.
Other athletes will have the opportunity to shine and make a name for themselves.
Vlhova's return will be highly anticipated, and her fans will be eager to see her back on the slopes.
The wait for her return will be long, but it will be worth it to see her compete again.
Vlhova's determination and hard work will ultimately pay off, and she will return to the sport stronger than ever.
The future of Alpine Skiing is bright, with talented athletes like Vlhova and Shiffrin leading the way.
The sport will continue to thrive, even with the absence of these two top athletes.
Vlhova's legacy will continue to grow, and her return to the sport will be a welcome addition.
The World Cup will be exciting to watch, with many talented athletes competing for the top spots.
Vlhova's fans will be eagerly awaiting her return, and the sport will be better with her back in it.