Maverick Vinales says he \u201calready feels better\u201d after undergoing surgery to remove a loose screw in his left shoulder.<\/p>\n
The screw was inserted following his accident at last July\u2019s German MotoGP, but ongoing pain and limited strength persisted despite the winter break.<\/p>\n
Vinales<\/a> made several attempts to return during the second half of last season but continued to struggle.<\/p>\n Fresh discomfort after the Brazilian round prompted further checks, which revealed a ‘displaced’ screw.<\/p>\n The Tech3 KTM <\/a>rider withdrew from the US Grand Prix after FP1 and returned to Europe for surgery, which was completed on Tuesday:<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Alongside images of the surgery, and the screw that was removed, Vinales wrote on Instagram:\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026 that already feels better \ud83d\ude05 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\u2019s time to focus on recovery and come back at 100%. Comeback loading \u2764\ufe0f\u200d\ud83d\udd25\u201d<\/p>\n Show Instagram Embedded Content<\/p>\n Loading this video will expose you to potential cookies and tracking by the provider<\/p>\n The postponement of Qatar means Vinales now has until the end of this month to recover in time for the Spanish MotoGP<\/a> at Jerez.<\/p>\n However, Vinales was cautious about a return date before leaving COTA:<\/p>\n \u201cThey say it’s not a major operation, just removing the screw and letting the tissue heal. Two weeks and then start training hard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n