Defending FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings will remain in Europe in 2019, according to a recent report on the Dutch website NOS.

After Herlings was ruled out for the opening round of MXGP in Argentina due to a foot injury sustained in a January training session, rumors began circulating that he could make the jump to the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

According to the report, a meeting took place with KTM on Wednesday in Austria, where the decision was made to keep Herlings in Europe. "In Jeffrey's contract, only the WC is included in the MXGP. Participating in the MX circuit in America was a wish, an idea," said Red Bull KTM sports director Joel Smets to NOS.

"However, KTM already has two advantages there, the American Cooper Webb and the Frenchman Marvin Musquin. Another driver would cause unnecessary rivalry. We prefer to see him alongside Tony Cairoli in the MXGP.

"We know Jeffrey's drive and do not want to take any risks,” he continued. “He has made mistakes in the past and we think we should protect him against himself."

On Monday, Herlings will travel to Belgium to undergo X-rays on his foot, per the report. According to Smets, they hope Herlings can return to riding in April, but the team “will not put a date on his return.”

The second round of the FIM Motocross World Championship takes place this weekend at Matterley Basin for the MXGP of Great Britain. Herlings’ KTM teammate Antonio Cairoli went 1-1 at the opening round as he seeks a tenth world title.

[Update: Friday, March 22]

KTM released an official statement yesterday which you can read below: