The four-time European champion is suffering from back pain, which it is hoped the surgery will address. 

Coach Maxim Kugaevsky told TASS, the state-run Russian news agency, that the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in further complications for Starykh.

"The operation was supposed to take place at the end of July, but on the day it was carried out, the surgeon was diagnosed with a coronavirus and all planned operations were urgently canceled," Kugaevsky said.

"At that moment Irina was already in the operating room. 

"Now the operation will take place only in early September."

Kontiolahti in Finland is due to host the season-opening International Biathlon Union World Cup from November 27 to 29.

Starykh won a European sprint title in 2013 but failed a drugs test later than year and was subsequently banned for two years.

Erythropoietin (EPO) was found in both her A and B samples.

The Russian missed the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics as a result.

Since her return, Starykh won three more European titles in 2017, in the 10-kilometre pursuit, 15km individual and mixed relay.