Maverick Vinales says he “already feels better” after undergoing surgery to remove a loose screw in his left shoulder.

The screw was inserted following his accident at last July’s German MotoGP, but ongoing pain and limited strength persisted despite the winter break.

Vinales made several attempts to return during the second half of last season but continued to struggle.

Fresh discomfort after the Brazilian round prompted further checks, which revealed a ‘displaced’ screw.

The Tech3 KTM rider withdrew from the US Grand Prix after FP1 and returned to Europe for surgery, which was completed on Tuesday:

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Alongside images of the surgery, and the screw that was removed, Vinales wrote on Instagram: 

“Well… that already feels better 😅 The screw is out and surgery went well. Big thanks to Dr Porcellini, Dr Padolino and Dr Giorgini for taking care of me. Now it’s time to focus on recovery and come back at 100%. Comeback loading ❤️‍🔥”

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The postponement of Qatar means Vinales now has until the end of this month to recover in time for the Spanish MotoGP at Jerez.

However, Vinales was cautious about a return date before leaving COTA:

“They say it’s not a major operation, just removing the screw and letting the tissue heal. Two weeks and then start training hard,” he said.

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“But I prefer to be more conservative, so I will come back when I feel 100%, and I can ride at my level. Otherwise, there is no point.”

Meanwhile, team-mate Enea Bastianini secured Tech3’s first silverware of the season after being promoted to third in the COTA Sprint, following a tyre pressure penalty for Pedro Acosta.

Vinales, who was denied second place in last year’s Qatar round due to a tyre pressure penalty, has scored points only once since suffering the shoulder injury.

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