Last Wednesday, Johann Zarco visited Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet in Lyon to assess the current condition of his knee. After falling in Barcelona, the initial MRI scans were performed while his knee was still severely inflamed, making it difficult to accurately assess the full extent of the injury. As the inflammation subsided, further tests provided a clearer picture and a more positive outlook than initially anticipated. The injuries that were first suspected weren't confirmed.
His medial collateral ligament is healing well, and his posterior cruciate ligament—which they thought was torn—is also showing encouraging signs of recovery. However, his anterior cruciate ligament is still torn.
The French rider was waiting for a burn to heal before undergoing surgery. In the meantime, he continued to train and is steadily progressing, making the non-surgical approach a viable option.
Following the advice of the medical staff—and given that the doctors have expressed their admiration for Johann Zarco’s progress— the rider won't be undergoing surgery and will instead continue with a rehabilitation program focused on strengthening and recovery. Subject to further medical assessments, the goal is for Zarco to return to the track in September. This means that the LCR team's French rider will miss both the German Grand Prix scheduled for next weekend and also the British and Aragon Grands Prix scheduled for August, before returning at Misano in mid-September.