MotoGP: Crutchlow to attempt return at Jerez

Cal Crutchlow will attempt to return to MotoGP for this weekend's Jerez race following his hand injury but he admits his comeback could prove tough.

The Ducati rider had to sit out last weekend's Termas de Rio Hondo event when it emerged that he had sustained more damage than originally thought in his crash at Circuit of The Americas.

Crutchlow suffered a dislocated right little finger and a hand fracture in the Texas incident. He has undergone hyperbaric chamber sessions on the Isle of Man this weekend in a bid to be fit in time for the Spanish Grand Prix and has now confirmed that he will try to ride at Jerez.

"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," said Crutchlow. "I'll try and see how it is from Friday and do the best job I can. Jerez is surely one of the toughest circuits to come back and ride at after my crash."

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro stood in for Crutchlow in Argentina and has also been entered on a third bike for Spain.