Injured Rea to miss Italian World Superbike round

Jonathan Rea injured his thumb in the opening race at Magny-Cours on 8 September

Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea will miss the upcoming round in Italy with a hand injury.

Yamaha rider Rea had surgery to repair an abrasion to his right thumb, which he sustained in race one of the French round at Magny-Cours on 8 September.

The 36-year-old will be replaced by Yamaha test rider Niccolo Canepa for the Italian round at Cremona.

"I’m disappointed having to sit out this weekend in Cremona," Northern Ireland's Rea posted on Instagram.

"After speaking with Dr Antonie Martens, who performed the surgery in France and Dr Michael McBride, who is following my case at home in Belfast, both insist that the tendon graft and skin grafts on my right thumb need a little more time to heal and avoid any setbacks.

"I am doing everything at home to be back at 100% as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone who is standing with me during this tough time."

Rea has had a difficult campaign after switching from Kawasaki to Yamaha before the new season.

He is 11th in the standings and has one podium finish in the opening eight rounds.