Alpine Skiing: Frustrated Neureuther expects a break of weeks

Felix Neureuther does not expect to be able to start at the slalom in Levi on Sunday. “It’s just the thumb, thank God it’s nothing worse, but for the race I think it’s going to be very, very difficult,” commented the German on Friday evening his dislocated thumb.

The injury with a broken bone and a luxation at the base joint not only causes pain, but is also completely unstable.

“That of course makes it very difficult, especially with pushing and every time I have to tip a bar. That makes it almost impossible. The doctors say that it is almost impossible to remove the pain in such a way that skiing makes sense,” explained the 34-year-old. But he will try it in training on Saturday and then decide.

In any event, the recent infringement is very frustrating. “Especially because I have prepared myself well and I feel 100 percent fit again physically for the first time, then there is such an injury, it’s very, very frustrating.”

The third of the World Championships is expecting a six-week break. “After the surgery, I think it’ll take about six weeks for the healing process to complete, then I can get back in.”