MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin says he could be out until the fifth round of the championship while he continues his recovery from surgery.

The 27-year-old Spaniard missed the opening race in Thailand after suffering fractures to his hand and foot in a crash during pre-season testing.

The next grand prix takes place in Argentina this weekend, followed by the Americas Grand Prix in Austin at the end of March while the fourth round is in Qatar from 11-13 April.

“I’m really suffering, it’s not my moment. I’m struggling to recover as fast as I would like,” Martin said.

“I can also say that I won’t be in Austin. I would like to be there but I won’t be racing. I don’t know if I can also be [racing] in Qatar.

“This is still really early, for sure I would like to make some kind of test before coming back to racing because I’m not feeling really good. I know Massimo [Rivola, Aprilia team principal] also is working on that, so let’s see if we can make it possible.”

Martin, who claimed his maiden MotoGP world title year, previously underwent surgery after breaking his right hand in a crash on the first day of pre-season testing.

After the first round in Thailand, six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez tops the standings.

Martin could return for his home Grand Prix in Spain which begins on 25 April.