Stoner: Rossi facing tough recovery

Stoner, who has had his own injury and illness problems in recent years, says the nature of Rossi's injury will hamper a swift comeback.

"The fact it's his leg is going to hamper his chances of coming back fit and strong," said Stoner. "If it's something like your arm or wrist, you can still get out and run or cycle to keep your fitness going.

"With a leg injury, unfortunately you're lying in the lounge for a little while. It's going to be a really difficult situation for him to come back from this for this year. No doubt he will come back, and hopefully as strong as he was before."

Mugello pole position man Dani Pedrosa added of Rossi's recovery: "I just hope the operation went well, that's the first important thing after this kind of injury. He's a champion and he knows the way to come back."