TOKYO  — Jakob Ingebrigtsen might have hoped it would be third time lucky in his quest for a 1,500 metres world title in Tokyo but he arrives rusty having been laid low by an achilles injury this season.

The 24-year-old Norwegian returns to Tokyo where he won 1,500m Olympic gold in 2021, but he has yet to stand on the top step of the podium in the event at an outdoor world championships.

Twice he has been denied gold by British athletes – Jake Wightman in 2022 and Josh Kerr in 2023 – and suffered the crushing disappointment of losing his Olympic title last year, finishing fourth.

Heats for the 1,500m are set for Sunday, with semi-finals on Monday and the final scheduled on Wednesday.

Aside from his injury woes, Ingebrigtsen has also had to cope with the stress of a court case brought against his father Gjert this year, who he and his sister Ingrid accused of violence, threats and manipulative behaviour.

It resulted in Gjert being cleared on all but one charge of assaulting Ingrid.

However, it is the battle with injury that has taken a toll on him.

“I have taken the trip down to the injury cellar several times this spring, it has been pitch dark there,” he told Norwegian media.

“This is more or less the worst case scenario for me because I have had to sit home and watch the whole season go by.”

Ingebrigtsen admits his preparation has been “unconventional” as he also seeks to win a third successive 5,000m title, but it is asking a lot to prevail in an event loaded with top talent.

His bitter rival Kerr is back to defend his title, having competed in the failed Grand Slam Series, winning in Miami and Philadephia.