Rory McIlroy ruptures ankle ligaments

Rory McIlroy has taken to social media to confirm that he has ruptured his ankle ligaments.

The world number one suffered the injury while playing football with friends on Saturday.

It remains unclear how long the 26-year-old will be out of action for, but the four-time major winner is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy spell.

The Open Championship at St Andrews gets underway in less than two weeks.

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.

A photo posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 6, 2015 at 2:53am PDT

McIlroy has won four titles on both the PGA and European Tour so far this year.