If you recall, late last year the WSL controversially denied an injury wildcard to Caio Ibelli, who injured his foot while training for Margaret River. Instead the two wildcards went to John John Florence and Kelly Slater, who surfed a number of events and was documented chasing swells while mending his 'injured' foot.

This year the injury wildcards aren't quite as controversial, though the WSL again has to make three go into two.

The three surfers who've applied are Adriano De Souza, who injured his ACL at Portugal in 2018, surfed three events mid-year but ultimately succumbed to the injury, Leo Fioravanti who injured his shoulder at The Box, and Mikey Wright who first injured his back in the Volcom Pipe Pro 2018, surfed the first three CTs, but withdrew from the rest of the year due to complications. 

ADS gets carted from the water in Portugal (WSL/Poullenot)

All three surfers injured themselves in competition, which is one of the criteria for choosing widcards.

Another criteria is past achievements, and with ADS a past world champ he's a shoo in for the first injury wildcard.

That leaves Leo and Mikey.

Leo has qualified for the CT via the QS twice, in 2016 and 2018. Mikey has never qualified for the CT via the QS - his highest place was 22nd in 2017 - however in 2018 he was gifted eight CT wildcards and finished 12th on the strength of those results. A higher CT place than Leo has ever finished.

If the WSL follows their 'pathways' model then Leo, who's qualified twice via the QS, should get the nod.

However, if CT results count, then Mikey, who has a better record at the top level, should receive it.

Now, after digesting all that, it's worth keeping in mind that despite being denied an injury wildcard, Caio Ibelli picked up an assortment of replacement starts on the CT this year and qualified for the 2020 tour that way. Whoever misses out on the second wildcard may take some consolation in that.

Over on the women's side there's very little controversy with only one surfer, Tyler Wright, going for the lone injury wildcard.