Marc Marquez set to race at Mugello GP after surgery

Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez is set to return to competition this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello following a double surgery to address injuries sustained in a crash last month. The Ducati rider fractured his foot in a highside crash during the sprint race at Le Mans in France in May.

Marquez subsequently underwent two operations, one for the foot injury and a previously scheduled procedure on his shoulder to address a persistent nerve issue. The surgeries caused him to miss the Catalan Grand Prix. Ducati announced that following a positive medical check, Marquez will travel to Mugello and is scheduled for a final trackside assessment on Thursday to secure clearance to race.

The Spaniard currently sits ninth in the championship standings with 57 points, 85 points behind series leader Marco Bezzecchi. In a team video, Marquez detailed the shoulder problem, explaining that a screw from a previous operation had moved and was pressing on a nerve, affecting strength in his right arm and three fingers. He stated the issue caused inconsistent performance on the bike, prompting the accelerated surgery.

His return comes as the grid deals with other rider...