Sport Forward: Stoner set for Estoril comeback

Stoner trailed in 14th in the British Grand Prix after a poor tyre choice

Australia's Casey Stoner will return for Ducati at this weekend's Portuguese MotoGP after missing three races with a mystery illness.

Stoner has previously suffered inflammation of the stomach lining and anaemia, but tests run during his latest absence proved inconclusive.

"The exams and inspections failed to show up any kind of virus or infection," a Ducati statement read.

The 2007 world champion has slipped from third to fourth in the standings.

Italy's Valentino Rossi and Spain's Jorge Lorenzo have been joined by Dani Pedrosa ahead of Stoner in the hunt for the world championship.

606: DEBATE

The championship is now effectively gone for him and he's likely to be wanting to prove that he is the man at Ducati

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After finishing 14th in the British Grand Prix at Donnington on 26 July, the 23-year-old has sat out races in the Czech Republic, USA and San Marino.

"It was very difficult to accept the advice of the doctors to stop racing," said Stoner.

"Now I'm looking forward to getting back together with the team and everyone and I hope I'll be able to be more competitive than I was in the past."

The Italian team believe that over-training may be behind Stoner's illness after noting a lack of sodium in his system.

During his rehabilitation in his home country, Stoner has been on a diet designed to stabilise his mineral levels and gain weight.

Sport Forward