- WSL / Ed Sloane
- WSL / Ed Sloane

Italo Ferreira will likely have to withdraw from the next two Championship Tour contests of the season, according to his manager, Luiz "Pinga" Campos. The high-flying Brazilian, who finished fifth at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, suffered an ankle injury a few days after the event, at Duranbah.

Italo, Taking Flight
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Ferreira's incredible prowess above the lip has become a welcome fixture on the Championship Tour since 2015, his first year on the roster. And yet, every massive boost is still a sight to behold.

First, the good news: Nothing is broken. And now, the bad: Ferreira likely injured the frontal ligament in his ankle -- crucial for the types of mind-blowing maneuvers for which he's come to be known.

"As everyone is aware, last Wednesday, Italo suffered a direct ankle injury," Campos said in a statement. "After we had completed all the exams and talked with the doctors, it was decided that he will return to Brazil in the next few days to start the recovery procedures.

"[He may] stay out of the next [contests] of the Australian leg, and we will work to make recovery quick and complete. It is worth noting that he is well and calm. We thank everyone for the messages of support and strength."

Ferreira at Margaret River
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This time last year, Ferreira was on his way to one of his best results of the year. As he recovers, fans will simply have to wait to see more moves like this.

Once Ferreira gets a detailed prognosis from his doctor in Brazil, he'll be able to confirm his plans for upcoming competitions.

Ferreira just competed in the first CT event of the 2017 season, the Quiksilver contest on the Gold Coast, where he finished in the Quarterfinals. In 2016, he finished No. 15 in the world and in 2015, his first year on tour, he earned the WSL's prestigious Rookie of the Year award. Currently, he sits at equal fifth.

At the 2016 editions of the next two events on the schedule -- Western Australia's Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, and Torquay's Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach -- Ferreira earned his pair of third-place finishes, his best results of the season.

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