Rossi's fitness will be questionable heading into the Sepang tests early next year.

Ducati’s Valentino Rossi will be fighting for full fitness in time for February’s first 2011 MotoGP test at Sepang in Malaysia after undergoing surgery to his right shoulder on Sunday.

The normal recovery period following a procedure such as the one undergone by Rossi is 90 days, but with 79 until the Sepang test on 1 February, the schedule is tight.

In an interview with Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport Doctor Alessandro Castagna of the Milan Humanitas Institute, who along with Doctor Giuseppe Porcellini performed the operation, explained his view on the chances of Rossi being fit to ride the Ducati in Malaysia.

“It usually takes 90 days and he has 79 until the first test,” he explained. “I’m sure that if everything goes smoothly and there are no complications he can be ready for it.”

The nine-time world champion will require a splint to support the shoulder for three weeks, and his recovery programme will consist of three important stages.

“The inflammatory phase usually lasts for between three to five days,” continued Dr. Castagna. “The second phase usually a month and a half or two during which the capillaries in the area will aid the production of fresh cells that will help the healing process.

“The final stage will be the re-strengthening of the joint. In the middle of the second stage Valentino will start the rehabilitation with the first steps being in the pool, followed by gym activity.”

Dr Castagna went on to speak about the surgery that Rossi underwent on the weekend.

“The operation itself had no particular problems, but we encountered a situation like at the supermarket – pay for one, get three,” he said.

“To give an idea of the situation it normally takes 35 minutes to stabilise a shoulder, and with Valentino it took us an hour and 50 minutes.

“In simple terms the supraspinatus tendon and the glenoid ligament were both very damaged. We had to clean the area to prepare it for its natural healing process, and then close it with 12 stitches.

“The fibrocartilage surrounding the humerus was displaced so we put it back and fixed it with bio-absorbable staples. All of this was done in an area which measured a maximum of 2-3 centimetres.”

Rossi made his much anticipated Ducati debut at Valencia in the post-season test a fortnight ago, struggling to 15th overall after two days on the Desmosedici.