Open worry after Rory hurts ankle playing football

golf

Elaine McCahill

Rory McIlroy has ruptured a ligament in his ankle in a football match mishap that has threatened his participation in next week's Open Championship at St Andrews.

The world number one took to his Instagram account this morning to share the news of his injury which happened during a kickabout with pals at the weekend.

Posting a picture on Instagram that shows him balancing on crutches with his left leg in a support boot, he revealed he has already begun rehab.

assess

"Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday," he captioned the picture.

"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."

A spokesman for the golfer said this morning that he has not ruled out playing at St Andrews despite his injury.

The 26-year-old is due to take part next week in the 144th Open, where he is set to defend his title.

He won the Open in spectacular fashion last year when he led from start to finish.

His win meant McIlroy became only the third player in the history of the sport to win three major championships by the age of 25 after Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

It is unclear how long the Co Down player will be out of action.

Despite a poor performance in the Irish Open at Royal County Down in May, the Northern Ireland golf ace has had a successful year so far.