Andrea Dovizioso has cast a shadow of doubt over Marc Marquez's chances of defending his 2026 MotoGP title, following yet another injury setback for the Ducati rider. With a slow start to the season already raising eyebrows, this latest spell on the sidelines may have just sealed the fate of his championship hopes.

After five rounds, Marquez trails championship leader Marco Bezzecchi by a daunting 71 points. And with the Catalan Grand Prix now on the horizon without him, that gap is only set to widen. While Jorge Martin still believes Marquez is a threat, others in the paddock are starting to see things differently.

During a recent episode of his podcast, the 15-time Grand Prix winner was asked point-blank whether Marquez can still challenge for the crown this year. His answer was measured but sobering. "In my opinion, yes, because apart from his physical limitations and the fact that we can't know when he'll be back, or if he'll return in good shape," Dovizioso explained. "Also, to what extent his own feelings, the bike, and the competition will be up to scratch right now. It's the Aprilias he's up against. There's a gap that, if he's in good shape, he might be able to close a little bit, as they say."

But he didn't stop there. "The fact remains that the Aprilias are going strong right now. They've been strong in all conditions on all tracks. When you already have two riders who are battling it out for the championship, it's almost impossible, in my opinion."

The biggest deficit Marquez has ever overcome to win a title is 37 points—barely half of what he faces now. That stat alone makes his current position look almost insurmountable.

Injuries have become a recurring theme in Marquez's career in recent years, and rushing back too soon could spell disaster. He's no stranger to pushing his recovery timeline, and MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley wouldn't be shocked if Marquez shows up at Barcelona earlier than expected, eager to get back on track. But Grand Prix legend Max Biaggi has urged caution, warning the six-time champion that rushing now won't do him any favors in the long run. Waiting until the Italian Grand Prix might be the smarter play.