Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro is confident of returning to MotoGP action at Assen this weekend even after being hospitalised after a crash in the Catalunya race.

Espargaro was nerfed off his RS-GP by team test rider Bradley Smith in the early stages and it left him with a bone edema and the Spanish rider will undergo medical checks on his left leg on Thursday at the track.

“This week, I went through some intense rehabilitation, with all possible techniques and equipment. I am pleased with the results because I feel rather well, despite still having some difficulty with lateral movement due to the bone edema,” said Espargaro.

“In any case, I am highly motivated to get back on the track in Assen, one of my favourite circuits on the MotoGP calendar.”