Leon Camier undergoes another surgery ahead of 2020 WorldSBK

Leon Camier’s preparations for the 2020 WorldSBK Championship have taken another blow after he was forced to undergo another surgery on his shoulder on Christmas Eve.

The Briton has been beset by injury woes over the last 12 months after a crash during the Imola round of the championship – caused when another rider fell in front of him – left him with a serious shoulder injury that sidelined him for six rounds.

The 2009 British Superbike Champion, who returned to action with the Honda Moriwaki Althea for the final three rounds, had hoped to put that behind him after signing a 2020 WorldSBK deal with Barni Ducati but another crash early on in post-season testing at Aragon has set him back again.

Already forced to miss his second test with the team in Valencia, it was hoped the time out would allow him to make a full recovery.

However, further assessment revealed he in fact needed more surgery on the left shoulder, which was completed on 24 December in Spain.

He now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the opening round, which takes place in February at Phillip Island. Either way, it is possible Camier won’t be on the Ducati Panigale V4 R during pre-season testing which begins in January.

Full statement from Barni Ducati

“On 24th December Leon Camier had an operation to the left shoulder that he injured during testing at the Aragon circuit on 14 November.

“Although the doctors had initially indicated that no surgery would be necessary, further clinical examinations carried out suggested surgery to ensure a full and faster recovery.

“The decision was made to use the off season time to stabilise the shoulder and repair two torn tendons.

“The operation was carried out successfully in Barcelona by doctor Fernando Santana, Leon has already been discharged from the hospital and started his rehabilitation with the aim to be ready for the first race of WorldSBK Championship in Phillip Island.”