Ducati’s Cal Crutchlow will return to MotoGP action this weekend at Jerez but says it looks likely to be a tough weekend as his injured hand is still causing him problems.

The former World Supersport Champion suffered a dislocated right little finger and a tiny fracture in the same hand a Austin, had to miss the last round in Argentina. To speed up his recovery, Crutchlow has been spending the last few days at home in the Isle of Man, trying, with the help of a hyperbaric chamber, to get ready for the Spanish round.

“My hand is getting better every day, but I still have some pain and it’s definitely going to be difficult to ride this weekend. I’ll try and see how it is from Friday and do the best job I can,” said Crutchlow.

“Jerez is surely one of the toughest circuits to come back and ride at after my crash. It’s a really great track, and the crowd are great as well, but really I’m just excited about joining up with the team again and getting back on the bike.”