From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

One step back, two steps forward

HM Plant Ducati’s new signing Chris Walker has had a further operation on his injured left leg and ankle. The Nottingham-based rider had been convalescing after a Supermoto accident at Mettet in Belgium last month when he was advised by his doctor to go under the surgeon’s knife for a second time.

“When I had the crash, the medical team in Belgium suggested that I should have what was a relatively simple operation so that I could travel home in relative comfort,” said Walker. “They pinned my ankle and inserted a plate with two screws into my leg. It felt comfortable, but I decided to see my regular doctor for a second opinion when I returned home.

“Unfortunately, the screws had come slightly adrift and he recommended that the best thing to do would be to have a stronger plate fitted. That operation has been carried out now and the restriction on my ankle won’t be too severe.”

Walker will be making his debut on the HM Plant Ducati at a pre-season test in Valencia on 7-9 December. Then, he will return to hospital to have one of the screws removed, so that he can begin his personal training regime in time to continue the test programme and focus on the first round of the 2003 Superbike World Championship at Valencia in March.

“I have met with Chris and am sure that this was the best course of action to take under the circumstances,” said HM Plant Ducati Team Manager Colin Wright. “While we are concerned about his fitness in the short term, it is more important to adopt a mid to long-term view. So, rather than being a setback, I would prefer to look positively on the situation and ensure that he is well on the road to a full recovery. In this case, it is better to take one step back before taking two steps forward.”