Nicky Hayden expects to be fit for the second MotoGP winter test at Sepang on 28 February to 1 March after successful surgery on his injured shoulder.
Having been in pain during the opening test in Malaysia last month, Hayden realised that the damage done in a training accident in December was more serious than he had first thought.
During arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in Fremont, California, on Monday, Ducati rider Hayden had a tear in the labrum successfully repaired by Dr Arthur Ting.
The post-operative appointment confirmed that the damage was fixed, and Hayden is now resting with a view to being ready to participate in the next test.
“It’s a setback, but all things considered, I’m pretty happy with how things went,” Hayden said. “It’s good that it was possible to do everything by ‘scope, and the pain’s not too bad.
“The problem should be fixed now, and I look forward to being able to help out the team as soon as possible.”