The American racer revealed he had damaged his foot in a "few places" after hitting a wall during a singles training run in Sochi this week.

USA Luge athletes arrived in the Russian city to train on the 2014 Olympic track as part of their preparations for the new season.

But Mazdzer, who won silver in the men’s singles at Pyeongchang 2018, now looks set to miss the start of the campaign following his big injury setback.

"Although I didn’t crash, I knew something was wrong right away," Mazdzer wrote in a post on Instagram.

"I couldn’t put any pressure on my foot and imaging confirmed that I broke my foot in a few places.

"Now it’s time to head back stateside to assess what needs to happen in order to get back on the sled as soon as possible.

"This is definitely a huge speed bump, but adversity is a great motivator."

Mazdzer, who recovered from shoulder surgeries in 2016 and 2019, faces another battle to be fit for the Winter Olympics in Beijing, scheduled to be held from February 4 to 20.

The 33-year-old is looking to become the only luge athlete to compete in three Olympic events of singles, doubles and team relay.

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Mazdzer’s absence also impacts his doubles teammate and double Olympian Jayson Terdiman who is hoping to join forces with him next season.

"Over the last three years, we have overcome numerous injuries and still come back stronger," said Terdiman.

"I believe this instance will be no different.

"Chris and I are both mentally tough, and we know how to get through anything.

"During this time, I will be working on my new [doubles] sled, to have it as primed and ready as can be for whenever we are able to get back on the track.

"Neither of us has been deterred from the end goal, putting Team USA on the podium in Beijing."

After two weeks in Russia, the US team - who had been due to train in Norway only for it to be cancelled due to travel restrictions - are set to return to Lake Placid and continue season preparation at Mount Van Hoevenberg from October 12 to 16.

They then plan to move to Park City in Utah for additional sliding on the 2002 Olympic course from October 20 to 25.

The US is due to select its team for Beijing 2022 in mid-January.

Competitors have the first seven races of the World Cup season to stake their claim to a berth at Beijing 2022.

The Olympic quota is three women singles, three men singles and two doubles teams for a combined 10 nominees.