Petra Vlhova will be sidelined from competition until at least mid-January due to ongoing discomfort in her right knee.
What happened?
She underwent knee surgery last winter and has been experiencing discomfort despite her team's initial expectations of a speedy recovery.
On Oct. 21, Vlhova reported no pain, but by mid-November, her team announced she would undergo further medical tests.
Why it matters for Petra Vlhova
Vlhova's absence from competition affects her chances of competing against her primary rival, Mikaela Shiffrin, who is also currently sidelined due to injury.
Vlhova has been Shiffrin's main competitor in the slalom for the last six years, with 21 World Cup slalom wins between March 2017 and November 2024.
What comes next?
Vlhova's team will conduct comprehensive examinations to assess the cartilage damage in her knee, which requires further specialized care.
Mauro Pini, Vlhova's coach, stated that they expect to know more about her ability to handle a full load by the end of December.
The next World Cup races in Vlhova's best events, slalom and GS, are scheduled for Dec. 28-29 in Semmering, Austria, and Jan. 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's recovery process will be closely monitored, with her team providing updates on her condition and potential return to competition.