Chantra out of French MotoGP after arm pump surgery
The LC Honda rider underwent surgery last Wednesday to address issues caused by compartment syndrome at the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona by Dr Xavier Mir's team.
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Although the procedure went to plan, Chantra was unable to recover in time to be fit for the French round.
'Following a post-operative check-up, Dr. Xavier Mir, who performed the surgery, recommended giving Somkiat more time to fully regain his strength before returning to competition. While his rehabilitation is progressing satisfactorily, he is not yet fit to compete,' the statement read.
Somkiat Chantra, Team LCR Honda
Somkiat Chantra, Team LCR Honda
Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
With the absence of the 26-year-old Thai rider, who is in his rookie season in the premier class, LCR Honda will appear at Le Mans with just one rider, Johann Zarco, as they have not found a suitable replacement.
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In his five MotoGP races, Chantra has struggled to adapt to an already challenging bike that is the Honda.
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His best result so far is a 16th place at the United States Grand Prix, and apart from Jorge Martin, who missed the first four races and was injured again in the fifth, Chantra is the only rider on the grid yet to score points.
Interestingly, Pedro Acosta also underwent surgery one day (on Tuesday) to address the same issues, which had been causing him headaches for over a year.
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The KTM rider, however, received the green light from doctors to travel to the French circuit, where the medical team will need to confirm if he is fit to race.
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