Yamaha Confirms Melandri Surgery
Cycle News Staff | December 24, 2010
Yamaha has confirmed that Marco Melandri did indeed undergo shoulder surgery yesterday, but says he will be fit for the team’s next test at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on January 26.Melandri’s “minor” surgery was a success, according to Yamaha, with the 28-year-old Italian expected to leave the hospital today.The former 250cc World Champion will make his World Superbike racing debut on February 27 at Phillip Island in the season opener after making the switch from MotoGP during this off-season.Melandri complained of pain in his right shoulder recently and Yamaha says it’s likely the result of an old injury that flared up after his three days of testing on the R1.Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini, the same specialist who performed Valentino Rossi’s shoulder surgery, did the operation. Porcellini reported that there was no damage to the ligaments, according to Yamaha.Melandri will be required to use a shoulder brace for the next two weeks and his training will be hindered.
