Näslund, the 2017 world champion, suffered a knee injury in training last month and is not expected to return to competitive action until the new year.

The Swede's rivals for the overall crown this campaign will be hoping to capitalise on her absence during the opening event in Arosa in Switzerland, which starts tomorrow and concludes on Tuesday (December 15).

Näslund will also miss the second World Cup in Val Thorens in France later next week.

Swiss Fanny Smith, bronze medallist at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and second to Näslund in the race for last season's crystal globe, and reigning world champion Marielle Thompson of Canada are expected to be in action this week.

Canada's Kevin Drury will be aiming to build on his first overall men's title when he competes this year.

Drury claimed four victories and earned three second-place results during the 2019-2020 campaign.

His compatriot and Olympic champion Brady Leman and Ryan Regez of Switzerland will be among the other racers to watch this season.