Olympic champion, Wayde van Niekerk will not defend his world 400m title at this month’s World Championships in Doha, reports BBC.

The 27-year-old South African returned to competition in February after more than a year out with a knee injury but had suffered a “minor setback” in his recovery.

He will miss the championships, which run from September 27 to October 6, as a precaution.

“I’m positive and taking things day by day,” Van Niekerk said in a statement.

“I am respecting all the calls made by the doctor and respecting my body. For me it is about listening to my body and taking it from there.

“For now, I am not rushing myself or putting pressure on myself. I’m extremely happy and at peace with where I am.”

Van Niekerk suffered the injury in October 2017 during a celebrity touch rugby match, but made a winning return to action in February after almost 17 months out.

The world and Olympic 400m record holder had been aiming for a third consecutive world title in Qatar after being given a wildcard for the event.