After discovering his knee injury to be more extensive than previously though, Christopher Vermeulen will miss World Superbike’s stop at Valencia this weekend, but is expected to be back on the saddle at Assen. Vermeulen injured his knee during a bad highside at Phillip Island, and was unable to rejoin the series at Portimao despite making an attempt during the free practice. As such, it looks like the Australian rider will be replaced this weekend at Valencia.
After having arthroscopic surgery, it became apparent that Vermeulen has more damage to his knee, ligaments, and cartilage than initial scans had suggested. Some of these injuries will be remedied this week with surgery, but his other injuries will have to wait to be operated on until after the Australian finishes his riding career. Nevertheless, with the surgery occurring so close to the Valencian stop, Vermeulen is a definite no-go this weekend.
Simon Andrews is expected to take Vermeulen’s seat on the factory WSBK Kawasaki ZX-10R this weekend. The Englishman was spotted testing the PBM Kawasaki just a few days ago at Valencia, and posted some impressive times, but nothing has been officially announced yet.
Source: MotoMatters
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