Rory McIlroy suffers severe ankle injury ahead of British Open

Rory McIlroy has injured his ankle casting doubts over his British Open participation. (Source: AP)

Rory McIlroy’s defence of golf’s British Open has been thrown into doubt after he said on Monday that he had ruptured ankle ligaments in a friendly football match with his friends.

“Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout,” McIlroy wrote on his Instagram account.

Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. 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 photo posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 6, 2015 at 2:53am PDT

“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,” he said, alongside a photograph showing his left ankle in a heavy bandage and brace.

McIlory’s showdown with double major winner Jordan Spieth was expected to be the highlight of the Open, which takes place at St Andrews on July 16-19.