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Rory McIlroy could miss Open after rupturing ankle ligaments

McIlroy posted this image on Instagram after rupturing his ankle ligaments playing football
Image: McIlroy posted this image on Instagram after rupturing his ankle ligaments

Defending champion Rory McIlroy appears likely to 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."

Rory McIlroy posted this image on Instagram after suffering an ankle ligament injury while playing football
Image: Rory McIlroy's Instagram message describes how the injury was caused
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at Royal Liverpool, was due to compete in this week's Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Gullane but has since withdrawn.

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Sources told Sky Sports News HQ on Tuesday that swelling has come down around McIlroy's ankle and he can now walk short distances, with the world No 1 being treated with ice and a compression boot. 

What next for McIlroy?

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.

Much has been made of a potential rivalry with 21-year-old Jordan Spieth, who has risen to number two in the world rankings, but the injury could prevent any head-to-head meetings in the remaining two majors of the summer.

Dr Ralph Rogers, medical director at the Sports Injury Clinic on London's Harley Street, admitted it was possible the Northern Irishman could still play.

Rogers said: "If it is a grade-one sprain, they could put a brace on it and he could go out to play.

"But if it is a total rupture - and he says it is a total rupture - he won't be there. We are looking at three months, possibly four, and it will require some really intensive rehabilitation."

Scottish professional Richie Ramsay already fears the worst for McIlroy and can empathise having suffered ankle problems himself.

The 32-year-old wrote on social media: "I had a full tear of ligaments in my ankle not long ago. It takes a lot longer than you think to heal. 3 months til I played after tearing ligaments and even then getting my foot to work the right way was tough."

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