Valentino Rossi believes a return at the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi is more likely than at Aragón, which he says would be "very hard" given it would be just 22 days after he fractured his right tibia and fibula in an enduro training accident.
The Italian rider isn't ruling out a return at Aragón, but says he must take his recovery "day-by-day" before knowing whether he will be fit enough, however he admits it would be unlikely given the timeframe.
"I learned from the other time that in this phase, in this part of the re-education you have to live day-by-day, it depends very much on the leg, depends very much on the pain," the Yamaha rider told the official MotoGP website.
"We already work to come back as soon as possible, the next race after Misano is Aragón, but I think it’ll be very hard as it’ll be just 22 days after the injury."
"We need like double [that time], or a minimum 40 days. Last time I came back after 40 days, but this time the fracture is better, [it] is less painful, but it’s very early to say. If I’m not able [to return] in Aragón I will try for Motegi."
Motegi would be 45 days after Rossi was hospitalised and is round 15 of the season. Rossi is currently fourth in the standings and 26 points adrift of leader Andrea Dovizioso, therefore missing two rounds would likely rule him out of the title battle, with just three remaining races.
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