Norwegian skier Aksel Lund Svindal says the knee injury that took him out of the World Cup last season was worse than he's been letting on.

Svindal was the overall World Cup leader when he injured his right knee in a crash during a downhill in Kitzbuehel on Jan. 23.

In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Svindal said not only did he rupture a cruciate ligament, he also damaged his meniscus and cartilage.

Svindal is back on skis training for the upcoming World Cup season. But he said the cartilage problems are particularly worrisome and could put the season, and even his career, at risk.