The expected ding-dong battle with Jordan Spieth for this year's majors looks to be over already after Rory McIlroy revealed he ruptured ligaments in his ankle.
This is the message he has just posted on Instagram.
Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to asses extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can.
Given the nature of the injury, doubts have already been cast about his chances of making a return to action this season. With the Open Championship beginning on 16th July, it seems certain that he won't be able to join the field at St. Andrews.
Update: Despite the severity of the injury, McIlroy has not yet definitively ruled himself out of the Open. However, it does not look particularly positive at this stage.
