Rory McIlroy is facing the prospect of being out of the game for up to six weeks after fracturing a rib.
The world No.2 is understood to have suffered the injury during off-season practice, and had been nursing the pain during last week’s South Africa Open, where he lost in a play-off against Graeme Storm. He played in Johannesburg with his back taped up while taking anti-inflammatory medicine.
He had been due to take part in this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Jan 19-22), but was forced to withdraw on Monday (Jan 16) after a scan revealed the extent of the injury.
McIlroy had thought it was a back injury, but a visit to hospital revealed a stress fracture to a rib. No timetable has been given for his return, but it commonly takes between four and six weeks to fully recover from such injuries. His next event is the Dubai Desert Classic from February 2-5, although it is too early to tell whether he will be fit enough to take part.
McIlroy said in a statement: “It’s bitterly disappointing to have to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. I think everyone knows how much I love playing this tournament. In situations like this you simply have to listen to the experts and the team I have consulted have all advised me to rest until my rib has fully recovered.”