Michael Dunlop has suffered a wrist injury that could jeopardise his prospects at this year’s North West 200 and Isle of Man TT, it is understood.

A source close to the Moneymore-based Tyco BMW team said the 18-time Isle of Man TT winner was involved in a spill during a test at Kirkistown in Co. Down last week.

The extent of his injury is unknown and the incident has been kept under wraps by the TAS Racing team. Dunlop did not compete in the Bank Holiday British Superbike round at Oulton Park, as he had been expected to following a recent test at the Cheshire circuit.

In a message on his Instagram account on Wednesday, Dunlop posted a picture of himself with the text ‘When the pressure is on, never weaken’.

The 30-year-old Ballymoney man is the Tyco BMW team’s sole rider at the international road races this year.

He won the Superbike TT for the team under tragic circumstances in 2018 after Manx rider Dan Kneen was killed in practice for the event.

Dunlop completed a treble with a Supersport victory on his MD Racing Honda and his maiden triumph in the Lightweight race on the Italian Paton machine.

All the best for md.

I hope he's fit and well for the tt, I'll be disappointed to not see him battering round.

According to the North West 200's official Facebook page he's been out testing today, you'd think with regards to some of the rumours which have been flying around about Michael over the last week that somebody from MD Racing or Tyco would put the story straight.

fully understand the reasons why nothing released
money the organisors and the team want to sell the merchandise for fans visiting
and also dont want people not going because the big name rider is not riding
also they maybe don't want to issue any statement until they know themselves what the situation is

Maybe Writer's cramp?

Really hoping Michael's injury is nothing too serious. Don't think he ever wants to give anything away to press, or organisers even, so that might explain the silence. I think practice starts on Tuesday for the NW, so we might know better then. What a T.T. we're in for if Dunlop and Hutchy are fit and challenging Hickman and Harrison. Not to mention Mcpint's return. If we get the same weather as last year, we could be in for some ridiculous lap times.

Just seen that Michael been cleared to race at the NW. He has had a opp on his wrist. Great news carnt wait for the NW and the TT now. Just a shame Bruse Anstey won't be racing