Image: Supplied.

Australia’s Joel Kelso has outlined his intentions to make a return at round four of the 2023 Moto3 World Championship at Jerez, sidelined from this weekend’s Americas GP as he continues to recover from injuries sustained post-race in Portugal.

After finishing strong P9 in the season-opening encounter, Kelso collided with race-winner Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in a ‘freak’ incident after the chequered flag.

The subsequent injuries included a broken ankle and tendon damage in his left foot that required surgery, and as a result, Kelso missed the race weekend at Termas de Rio Hondo, Argentina. While his latest update confirms his absence also from round three at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), he has now outlined when he aims to return.

“We started to put a bit of pressure on the leg now, and we are getting the staples out as well,” Kelso shared. “We will continue recovering, but unfortunately will not be back in the USA, we are going to have to hold out until the Jerez GP. I look forward to being back with all of you guys, and the team, as soon as possible.”

Kelso switched to the CFMoto Racing PruestelGP team this year and made an immediate impact by qualifying third on the grid at Portimao. He later lead throughout the 19-lap bout at Portimao before ultimately banking seven points to commence his 2023 campaign, and now looks to round four at Jerez which takes place between 28-30 April.