The Swedish 23-year-old is one of several who had a tough fall during the 50km race at Holmenkollen on Sunday. Now, he may miss the World Cup final in Falun and the rest of the season.

According to Langrenn.com, Sweden’s most prominent male star, William Poromaa, injured his left thumb when he crashed at the end of the 50km race at Holmenkollen Sunday afternoon. Despite the crash, the 23-year-old was in contention for a podium spot until only a few hundred meters remained and finished in 10th place. It was Johannes Høsflot Klæbo who won at Holmenkollen on Sunday. It was Klæbo’s first victory in this distance.

Now, however, it turns out that Poromaa’s thumb injury may be so severe that both the World Cup final at home in Falun the upcoming weekend and the rest of the season could be jeopardized.

“William Poromaa injured his left thumb in a fall towards the end of the 50km race at Holmenkollen. He has been to an X-ray back home in Sundsvall today, and fractures have been ruled out”, the Swedish national team reported Monday afternoon.

“William received immediate treatment from the national team’s physiotherapist on site and was also examined by the event’s doctor. Both concluded that it is a severe sprain. The X-ray examination done on Monday shows that we can rule out a fracture in this case”, says Sweden’s national team doctor Rickard Noberius.

The medical team will now assess further treatment and rehabilitation, and whether Poromaa can compete more this season.

“He is, given the circumstances, doing well, and has better mobility in the hand today. A hand surgeon will examine the injury on Wednesday to ensure he receives the correct treatment and rehabilitation. After that, we can decide if it might be possible for him to compete again, already for the World Cup in Falun”, says Noberius.

Also Read: Standings after the Holmenkollen World Cup