Gibernau to have plate removed

From motogp.com

Sete Gibernau will undergo an operation to remove a metal plate from his collarbone, following on from his final MotoGP test of 2008. The returning Spaniard has carried the implant since 2006, after a troubled time with collarbone fractures during his career.

"On Monday, Dec. 1 I'm going to have the plate in my collarbone taken out," confirmed the Onde 2000 rider. "The doctors believe that it is better to have it out before I begin racing again. From then I'll start working again. The day after I will start training once more."

Gibernau had an existing plate replaced with a stronger titanium version after his Catalunya horror crash in his most recent season in the World Championship, and underwent a series of operations between then and the end of the year. A hard fall in Portugal in the 2006 season saw further damage to his collarbone, and appeared to have brought his MotoGP career to a premature conclusion until he announced his return last month.