Chris Froome has landed himself back in hospital after cutting his thumb on a kitchen knife.

The four-time Tour de France winner required surgery on Friday night to repair the tendon in his left thumb.

Froome has already spent time in intensive care this year after suffering a catalogue of injuries in a horror crash during a recon ride at the Criterium du Dauphine in June.

Froome had only returned to riding a bike at the end of August following his crash in June, doing a couple of short track sessions as he continues what promises to be a lengthy rehabilitation.

His June crash left him with a fractured right femur, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs, instantly ending his season.

Froome has set himself a target of returning to full fitness in time for the 2020 Tour de France, where he wants to target what would be a record-equalling fifth title.