Gilbert was out on a training ride in Belgium with team-mate Loic Vliegen when they were targeted by two drunk men in a car. One of them got out and came towards Gilbert and Vliegen violently, breaking Gilbert's middle finger on his left hand.
"I'm not feeling too bad at all. More than anything I am shocked that this happened," Gilbert said.
"You don't expect anything like this to take place when you head out for a training ride," he said.
Gilbert underwent surgery yesterday. BMC's team doctor Max Testa provided the following update:
"Philippe had five pins inserted to secure three small fractures in his middle finger.
"He is otherwise fine, but will need to take a day or two off the bike.
"After the weekend we should have a better idea of the the impact this will have on his Ardennes Classics campaign, but at this stage he should be fine to race," Dr Testa said.
Vliegen was uninjured in the incident.
BMC understands the two men were arrested by Belgian police at the time of the altercation.
