The former Grand Prix 250 world champion, who is a WSB rookie on the YZF-R1 in 2011, fears he will not be fit in time for the upcoming official pre-season test at Portimao on January 26.
His arm still in a brace following the surgery, though the 28-year-old says it will take it off in the next few days. “Did some therapy but still I can not move my arm till friday, 3 days delay but keep pushing…” Melandri tweeted.
The post followed another one posted on January 4th that read: “Still one more night pretty painfull.. there is no way to ha a good sleep.. weird...”
Melandri has made the switch to World Superbikes for the 2011 campaign, his first in career, replacing British rider Cal Crutchlow, who was promoted by the Japanese company to MotoGP, in the Tech 3 lineup.
The Italian rider has had the surgery performed by Dr Giuseppe Porcellini, who is the doctor that worked on the shoulder of Valentino Rossi recently. Following the intervention, Dr Porcellini reported that there was no damage to ligaments therefore a straightforward ‘tidying’ took place and a ‘staple’ attached, which will erode naturally over time.
The 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship is scheduled to start February 25-27 at Phillip Island, in Australia, immediately after an official test, due to take place between February 21-22 at the same track.
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