Melandri set for official testing despite shoulder surgery

Marco Melandri is expected to ride at the official WSB test at Portimao on 26 – 28th January despite undergoing surgery on his shoulder on Thursday.

The 28 year old Italian elected to have an operation after some complaints around the joint, possibly due to an old injury aggravated by three days hard riding earlier this month in Phillip Island.

After scans on Wednesday revealed some extra movement in the limb, the Italian opted for a clean-up procedure in order to reduce risk of further aggravation. Dr Giuseppe Porcellini, the same specialist who worked on the shoulder of Valentino Rossi, completed the operation.

Dr Porcellini reported that there was no damage to ligaments therefore a straightforward ‘tidying’ took place and a ‘staple’ attached – that will erode naturally over time – will add extra stability.

Melandri is expected to leave hospital today (Friday).