Updated 17.00

RORY MCILROY HAS been forced to withdraw from the Open at St Andrew’s.

The world number one confirmed that he will not play at next week’s Major after he ruptured ankle ligaments while playing football.

“I’m taking a long term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100% healthy and 100% competitive,” he wrote on Wednesday.

McIlroy was hoping to defend his Open title in Scotland and win a fifth Major before disaster struck during a weekend kickabout with friends.

The 26-year-old said on Monday that he was “working hard to get back as soon as possible” but the tournament, which tees off at the famous Old Course on 16 July, will come too soon.

He added:

Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can.

McIlroy confirmed the news with a post on Instagram which showed his injured left ankle in protective support while he watched Andy Murray in action at Wimbledon on TV.

“In the mean time, come on Andy!!!” he wrote.

What exactly is Rory McIlroy’s injury – and how is it going to affect his golf game?