BACKSTEDT RECOVERING AFTER SURGERY

Magnus Backstedt is recovering in hospital after undergoing a successful operation on his shoulder yesterday.

The operation involved resetting the shoulder by screwing a hook under the shoulder joint and a titanium plate into the collarbone. The impact of the crash had resulted in the collarbone being lifted up into the trapezius muscle, which was also badly shredded. The Liquigas pro is still in hospital, but is expected to be released either tonight or tomorrow, once his pain is under control.

A spokesman for Backstedt said: ?We are really happy with the result. I saw the X-rays last night and we?re pleased with the repositioning of the collar bone.?

It is hoped the Swede will be back on form for 2007: ?He?ll be back on his turbo in a couple of weeks-the doctors say six weeks, but with Backstedt that probably means four,? the spokesman said.

The Liquigas pro crashed just over a week ago when out training with fellow Swede Freddie Johansson.