Red alert! Rory McIlroy may not be able to defend the British Open title because of a knee injury he picked up playing soccer with friends at the weekend. The expected duel between the Northern Irishman and the sensation of the year, the American Jordan Spieth, winner of the first two majors of the season, is in the eaves. The problem lies in a torn ligament in his left ankle.
The world number one is following a rehabilitation plan to try to arrive in condition to the third Grand Slam event. “Working hard to get back as soon as I can,” Rory wrote on his Instagram account along with a photograph showing him on crutches and an immobilizing boot covering his left foot and lower leg.
The British Open, at the legendary Scottish course of St Andrews, will be played from July 16 to 19.
McIlroy, who won the British Open last year at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, may also be doubtful to defend the US PGA Championship title in August.
The 26-year-old Northern Irish player has won four Majors, the 2011 US Open, the 2012 PGA Championship and, in 2014 the British Opn and the PGA Championship.
McIlroy is one of only three men, along with Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, to have won three majors before the age of 25.
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