Pogacar undergoes successful surgery but return remains uncertain

Tadej Pogacar has undergone successful surgery on the displaced fracture of his left collarbone sustained during stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espana. The operation was performed at Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona after the Slovenian received medical clearance to proceed.

The procedure had initially been delayed because of precautions linked to his concussion. His favourable evolution allowed doctors to give the green light earlier than first expected. Pogacar will remain in hospital for several days of post-operative monitoring before returning home to begin rehabilitation under the supervision of UAE Team Emirates-XRG's medical staff.

The collarbone is not the only factor governing his recovery. Examinations also confirmed a stable fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra, a concussion and multiple abrasions. He suffered no neurological damage, but the combination of injuries demands particular caution and the team has set no date for a return to training or racing.

Pogacar had planned to defend his rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Montreal, compete at the European Championships in Ljubljana and target another Il Lombardia victory. Those appearances are now in serious doubt, especially the Worlds in late September, although UAE has not formally ruled him out. His return will depend on the healing of the collarbone and cervical fracture and the complete disappearance of concussion symptoms.

The crash ended a Vuelta he led after three stage victories and with almost four minutes over Enric Mas. Pogacar and his team now place a complete recovery above any immediate sporting objective.