McIlroy doubtful for Open after football injury

Rory McIlroy is a major doubt for The Open at St Andrews after injuring himself playing football.

The world No.1 revealed that a kickabout with friends over the weekend resulted in him being laid up on crutches just nine days before his title defence was due to start.

The Northern Irishman posted a photo of himself with them while wearing a plastic moon boot on his left leg. A message underneath read: “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.”

McIlroy was also due to play in the Scottish Open this week to fine-tune his preparations for St Andrews, but the European Tour confirmed last night that he had confirmed he will not be fit to take part in Gullane.

A spokesman for the player said McIlroy had not yet ruled out competing, but it is understood he will undergo further scans in the coming days. A full prognosis will become clear in due course.

Recovery from injuries such as the one reported by McIlroy can take weeks or, in the worst cases, months and even require surgery. McIlroy has as yet given no details on the anticipated timescale for his recovery. The fact the injury is to the left ankle is also significant for a right-handed player, as that joint bears most of the pressure through the swing.

European Tour professional Richie Ramsay tweeted: “I had a full tear of ligaments in my ankle not long ago. It takes a lot longer than you think to heal. Three months until I played after tearing ligaments and even then getting my foot to work the right way was tough.”

Should he be out of action for more than a month, McIlroy could be unable to defend his title at the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, which begins on August 13.

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