Jonathan Rea will miss the two Sunday World Superbike races at Magny-Cours after undergoing surgery overnight.

The World Superbike grid has just gotten even smaller for Sunday at Magny-Cours. The grid will now be missing the six-time World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea.

Rea crashed in the opening race on lap one at the final chicane and underwent surgery overnight. The Northern Irishman had a deep abrasion repaired on his right thumb.

This injury continues what has been a difficult season for Yamaha and Rea in the first year of their partnership.

Summarising his injury and thoughts from Magny-Cours, Rea stated: “Unfortunately my injury needed specialist attention and I had to have an emergency surgery to repair some damage in my right thumb.

"I will understand my recovery day by day, but I would just like to thank the track medics and especially Dr Antoine Martins for fixing me up. Thank you to all my team, my fans and all my sponsors that continue to support me in this tough period.”