Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Thomas Covington just can’t seem to get rolling in 2018. Despite showing some brilliant form, and even moto wins in MX2, his knees have let him down.

First recovery from a knee injury at the MXoN, and then just as he started showing good form, another knee injury last weekend at the Grand Prix of Portugal.

We caught up with the American, as he drove home from cycling with trainer, Joel Roelants.

MXlarge: Firstly, how did you hurt your knee? Did you catch it up a rut or something?

Covington: Yes, I was going into a turn, a long sweeper and I came in pretty fast and hit a soft spot and had to stick my leg out and twisted it to the outside and it ended up against my butt. I didn’t even crash, but straight away I felt a lot of pain and I knew my ACL was gone, just like in des Nations. The pain was a lot worse than the last time and I was like, man I am gone. I pulled in and we couldn’t to an MRI scan, but I was pretty sure my ACL was gone. After the MRI yesterday, there is still a piece hanging on, it isn’t completely torn.

MXLarge: So how long does it take to repair that?

Covington: Well, actually won’t repair itself, so you would need surgery, but my right knee I have raced the last six years without an ACL, so if you get the muscles around it strong, it is possible to race without it.

MXLarge: I saw something on your social media, you want to be back for Russia?

Covington: Yes, that is the goal. I am trying to do that, and it doesn’t feel too bad. There is some swelling, so we will try and deal with that and just tape it up. It should be okay to finish off the season.

MXlarge: And what will you do at the end of the season, just get rid of it?

Covington: Depends how it feels. I won’t have an operation unless it costs me some problems.

MXlarge: You and Darian must have walked under a ladder together or something.

Covington: It is so weird (laughing), both out with knee injuries. Hopefully we both come back okay. I know Darian is now in the states and he will try and come back for Latvia. It is kind of weird.

MXlarge: He mentioned to me that you helped him with his situation, didn’t you?

Covington: Yes, I tried to help him as much as I could with doctors and stuff, just getting him in. Unfortunately, I have had a lot of trouble with knee injuries. We are always trying to help each other out, whatever way we can.

MXlarge: I have said it time and time again to riders, but it really sucks. You build momentum then something like this happens. You both have been riding so well, you with moto wins and Darian with a podium and good speed.

Covington: Yes, for sure, it’s a bummer. For me, everything was coming together after my original knee injury and it felt like I did before the injury. It sucks, but hopefully I am able to come back in Russia and not really miss too much and keep going like I was.

MXlarge: You mentioned you have been cycling, so what can you do to keep fit?

Covington: Cycling has always been the best thing for my knees, but also in the gym, stability and excites around the knee. I will have a physio therapist and I will probably be there every day before Russia.