Rory McIlroy has been forced to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after tests revealed he has sustained a rib injury.
The Northern Irishman underwent extensive clinical examinations today after picking up the injury in South Africa last week. McIlroy will now commence rehabilitation and will return to golf when he is fully recovered from the stress fracture.
He said: “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, which is one of the best on the European Tour thanks to the incredible support of HSBC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. To be forced to miss this week through injury is really quite annoying to be perfectly honest, but I am sure the tournament will be a huge success and I hope everyone involved has a great week.“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.”
After the first round in South Africa last week McIlroy hinted that the injury was more serious than first thought as he spoke to the press.
“I’m actually surprised I’m standing here, I actually thought about pulling out before even teeing off today. I tweaked my back somehow and the first few shots today weren’t very comfortable and it still isn’t really comfortable.”
“I can’t really take a deep breath because I’ve done something to my upper back.”
Hopefully he will respond well after a week of rest and treatment.
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