Powell's 100m world record stands at 9.74 seconds

World 100m record holder Asafa Powell will delay the start of his season due to injury.

Powell, 25, pulled a chest muscle while weightlifting but the problem should not hinder his preparations for the Beijing Olympics in August.

"We don't expect there is anything to be concerned about beyond the end of June," said his agent Paul Doyle.

Powell will now miss competitions in Doha, Oslo and Eugene but should return for the Jamaican championships in June.

606: DEBATE Can Powell win gold at the Olympics?

Powell recently withdrew from relay races in California and Philadelphia.

"He is disappointed," said Doyle. "He loves to compete but he understands the bigger picture is getting ready for the Olympic Games.

"If he was to rush back and get ready for these meets (in May and June) then further on in the summer he may suffer."

Powell finished third at last year's World Championships, with American Tyson Gay claiming gold. Their likely clash in Beijing is expected to be one of the highlights of the Games.