The Ballygowan rider – winner of the Irish Superbike title in 2007 – had eight screws and a plate inserted into his ankle during surgery last Thursday.

He now faces a six-week recuperation period before he can re-commence his winter training programme in preparation for the 2009 season.

This year, Pearson (29) competed in selected rounds of the Irish road racing championships after deciding to steer his career in a new direction following a successful stint on the short circuit scene.

He hopes to contest the Isle of Man TT for the first time next June in addition to the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix and will also complete a full programme of national road racing.

Pearson's manager, Willis Marshall, said: "Michael is very annoyed by the whole incident.

"He has been in quite a bit of pain, and I would think that he will continue to be in some discomfort for a few days more, but he is eager to get going and has his sights set on the 2009 road racing season already.

"He was to travel with myself last Monday over to Leeds to see our sponsors Boost Energy Drinks, and with Michael unable to attend, he felt really down," added Marshall.

"I did meet with our sponsors and we are in the middle of setting about proposals for next year.

"Hopefully, something can be drawn up sooner rather than later, as we have roughly about four weeks to finalise our plans and until we know what our budget is going to be, nothing can be done."

Pearson will compete in the Supersport and Senior road race championships in 2009 as well as several Irish Superbike meetings.

He will unveil his Supersport 600cc Honda, which is being supplied by the GSMCC, at a function in Carryduff this weekend.

The machine was ridden by Scotsman Keith Amor under the Wilson Craig Racing banner this season.