Surgery complete for Franco Morbidelli, eight-week rehabilitation

Franco Morbidelli will undergo an eight-week 'rehabilitation programme' following surgery earlier to repair the meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, damaged in recent raining accidents.

Should the Italian be unable to ride his Petronas Yamaha during that time it would mean he will miss not only this weekend's Assen round, but also the pair of Austrian events at the Red Bull Ring, after the summer break.

Morbidelli's Friday morning operation took one hour. The reigning MotoGP title runner-up will stay in hospital in Bologna until Sunday for observation.

"After another painful incident with my left knee training on Wednesday I made the decision, together with Petronas Yamaha SRT and the VR46 Academy, to fix this issue that I’ve been carrying for too long now," Morbidelli said.

"I underwent surgery this morning with only one idea in my mind: to come back in the best form as soon as possible and to be able to perform at 100% on the bike.

"I want to thank Professor Maurilio Marcacci and his team for their work. I can’t wait to be able to start my recovery process.

"I’ll miss my team, my bike and all the fans during this period, but I’m looking forward to being at the circuits again and enjoying racing. Thank you for all of your messages of support. See you soon!"

American Garrett Gerloff is taking Morbidelli's place, alongside Valentino Rossi, at Assen.