Rory McIlroy could miss Open at St Andrews

Rory McIlroy could miss next week’s 144th Open at St Andrews due to injury.

The world No 1 ruptured ankle ligaments over the weekend while playing football with friends.

However, a spokesman for the Northern Irishman says McIlroy has not yet ruled himself out of playing in the third major championship of the season at the Old Course.

McIlroy announced the news via Twitter, with an accompanying photograph on Instagram showing himself on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

He said on his Instagram page: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday.

“Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started….. Working hard to get back as soon as I can.”

The 26-year-old, who won last year’s Open at Royal Liverpool, was due to compete in this week’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Gullane but has since withdrawn.

Injuries of the nature described by McIlroy typically keep the sufferer out of action for at least six weeks and maybe even three months or more, and can require surgery depending on the severity of the rupture.

A worst-case scenario would also prevent McIlroy defending his US PGA Championship title at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin in August.