Dani Pedrosa is set to miss at least two MotoGP events as he requires surgery on an arm injury.

The Spaniard started the MotoGP world championship season with a sixth-placed finish in Qatar last weekend.

However, the Repsol Honda man subsequently revealed that he would assess his options due to an 'arm pump' issue - a common injury for motorcycle racers in which a build-up of pressure in the forearm causes pain and makes it difficult to ride.

Pedrosa underwent surgery after the Jerez Grand Prix last season, but the issue has failed to relent.

Subsequently, he will go under the knife again and a recovery time of four to six weeks means he will definitely miss the Grand Prix of the Americas on April 12 and the Argentina Grand Prix a week later.

"Obviously this isn't the news I wanted to be sharing with everyone. However, after speaking with some key doctors and medical professionals that I trust, they are all in agreement that this is the only option for me," Pedrosa is quoted as saying by MotoGP's official website. 

"We will have the surgery on Friday and they will use a special technique to help close the wound to try and prevent this issue continuing to affect me. Let’s hope it’s a success.

"I want to thank all my fans for their support, but especially Honda, Repsol, Red Bull and all our sponsors for their understanding in this matter."

Pedrosa will be replaced by Honda test rider Hiroshi Aoyama for the coming races.