Miguel Oliveira Reveals ‘Good News’ About His Injury: Will He Be Back in Time for Jerez to Surprise Us?

In a season already filled with uncertainty, Miguel Oliveira has just delivered a major update that could shake up the upcoming MotoGP rounds. After suffering an injury that sidelined him from crucial races, the Portuguese rider has revealed what he calls “good news” about his condition—sparking hope among fans and the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team. But the real question remains: will he be fit in time to return at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, and could he surprise us all with a comeback performance?

Let’s break down Oliveira’s latest medical update, his recovery timeline, and the implications of a potential return at one of MotoGP’s most historic tracks.

Miguel Oliveira injury: The crash that changed his season

Miguel Oliveira’s 2024 MotoGP season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After showing signs of promise early on with his new Trackhouse Racing team, his momentum came to a crashing halt during the Sprint race at Portimão. The incident left Oliveira with a right scapula fracture, forcing him to miss the next round and raising serious doubts about his availability for the upcoming Grands Prix.

This wasn’t the first time injury struck Oliveira at the wrong moment. In fact, since 2023, the former KTM rider has faced multiple setbacks, including shoulder and ligament issues. But the Portimão injury hit differently—not only because it happened in front of his home crowd but because it came just as he was beginning to find rhythm on the Aprilia RS-GP.

Doctors initially ruled out surgery, opting for a conservative recovery strategy. Yet questions loomed large: Would Oliveira’s body heal fast enough to get back in time for the physically demanding Jerez circuit?

The ‘Good News’ update that reignited hope

On April 18, Oliveira took to social media and shared a hopeful message with fans. “Finally, I have good news,” he wrote. “My healing process is going really well, and I’ve started light training again.” The statement was brief but significant—it confirmed that the scapula fracture is healing faster than expected and that Oliveira is slowly ramping up his physical activity.

The importance of this update cannot be overstated. In MotoGP, shoulder and upper-body injuries can seriously impair a rider’s ability to control the bike under braking and through corner transitions. A fractured scapula could have kept him out for 6–8 weeks, but Oliveira’s announcement suggests a faster-than-average recovery.

He even teased fans by saying, “Jerez? Maybe. We’ll see how things evolve in the next few days.”

Will Miguel Oliveira return for Jerez?

The Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez is scheduled for April 28, 2025, just over a week from Oliveira’s medical update. That timeline is tight, but not impossible—especially if Oliveira’s rehabilitation continues at the same rate.

Trackhouse Racing, which debuted this season under the American team banner after taking over RNF Aprilia, is likely keeping a close eye on his progress. A return at Jerez would not only mark a symbolic moment of resilience for Oliveira but also provide the team with much-needed data and feedback from one of the most technical tracks on the calendar.

Jerez is notorious for its combination of fast sweepers, hard braking zones, and unpredictable weather. It’s a track where rider confidence and physical fitness play a massive role. If Oliveira can make a comeback here and finish strong, it would send a strong message—not just about his physical recovery, but about his mental toughness.

Miguel Oliveira’s history at Jerez

If Oliveira does return at Jerez, it won’t be unfamiliar territory. The Portuguese rider has had mixed results at the Andalusian circuit. In his KTM days, he showed flashes of brilliance at Jerez, even if outright podiums eluded him. His ability to ride smooth lines and conserve tire life could give him an edge if he’s back at near 100% fitness.

In 2021, Oliveira finished P16 after a tough weekend. But in 2020, he was making steady progress at the circuit before an unfortunate collision. That said, Jerez isn’t just another race—it’s the spiritual home of Spanish MotoGP, and a good performance here can define a rider’s season.

This time, though, the stakes are even higher. If Oliveira returns to form and outperforms expectations, he could earn valuable points, lift team morale, and silence critics who question his durability.

Trackhouse Racing’s expectations and rider dynamics

With Raul Fernandez as his teammate, the Trackhouse Racing garage is already under scrutiny. Fernandez has had some promising showings, but the team is still searching for consistent points finishes. Oliveira’s potential return could be the spark the team needs.

Aprilia is also watching closely. The Italian manufacturer has high hopes for its satellite squad, and Oliveira is seen as a crucial piece of that puzzle. Before his injury, he was beginning to show solid adaptability to the RS-GP bike’s unique characteristics—especially under braking and mid-corner.

If Oliveira can return at Jerez and show pace over the weekend, it could accelerate the team’s development trajectory. His experience, feedback, and tactical racecraft are invaluable—not just for himself, but for the technical direction of the entire Trackhouse-Aprilia collaboration.

Fitness challenges and psychological barriers

Even with positive medical updates, returning to MotoGP isn’t just about healing bones—it’s about confidence, reaction speed, and mental clarity. The physical demands of Jerez, coupled with the intense competition at the top of the grid, could test even a fully-fit rider.

Oliveira will need to trust his body again—trust that his shoulder won’t give out mid-corner, or that he can handle aggressive overtakes without hesitation. Many riders, from Marc Márquez to Jorge Lorenzo, have admitted that the mental battle post-injury is often tougher than the physical one.

And then there’s the question of setup. Will Oliveira have enough time on the bike to find a good base setting for Jerez? Even if he’s medically cleared, a lack of track time could compromise his race weekend.

Still, Oliveira is known for his analytical mind and calm demeanor under pressure. If anyone can pull off a measured, intelligent return, it’s him.

How a Jerez comeback could reshape Oliveira’s season

Let’s imagine the scenario: Miguel Oliveira returns at Jerez, scores points, and walks away unscathed. What does that mean for his 2025 season?

First, it would erase doubts about his fitness. Second, it would reassert his role as a team leader. And third, it would keep him in the conversation for future Aprilia factory opportunities—especially if Aleix Espargaró decides to retire at the end of the season.

With long races ahead at Le Mans, Mugello, and Catalunya, momentum matters. A strong comeback at Jerez would give Oliveira and the team belief that they can fight for top-10 finishes and beyond as the season unfolds.

Fan and media response to his update

The MotoGP community has reacted positively to Oliveira’s “good news.” Social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement and excitement about his potential return. Commentators and analysts have noted that Oliveira’s absence has left a void—not just for Portuguese fans but for anyone who appreciates technical, smooth riding.

As one of the few riders who has won races for non-factory teams (Tech3 KTM), Oliveira commands respect. His return would add depth to the grid and bring another veteran voice to a paddock that’s constantly evolving with young talent.

The bigger picture: Oliveira’s legacy in MotoGP

While Oliveira may not yet be a world champion, his MotoGP journey has been marked by resilience, intelligence, and quiet determination. Injuries have derailed him before, but he’s always bounced back—stronger and wiser.

A successful return at Jerez would not only mark a personal victory but also serve as a testament to his long-term value in MotoGP. It would show sponsors, team bosses, and fans that Miguel Oliveira remains a fighter, a technician, and a racer at heart.

Final thoughts: Can Oliveira surprise us at Jerez?

There’s no sugarcoating the challenge ahead. Returning to racing just weeks after a fractured scapula is daunting. But Oliveira’s calm optimism, combined with his reputation for measured risk-taking, makes the idea of a Jerez comeback not just possible—but compelling.

If he shows up on April 28 in race leathers, you can be sure he won’t just be there to make up the numbers. He’ll be aiming to surprise us all, turn his season around, and once again prove why he belongs at the sharp end of the MotoGP grid.