Rory McIlroy injures ankle ahead of Open

London: World number one Rory McIlroy has suffered a ligament rupture in his left ankle, the golfer announced on his Twitter account Monday.

"Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout," the Northern Irishman said.

He also posted a photograph on Instagram showing himself on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

A spokesman for McIlroy later said that, despite the injury, he has not ruled himself out of defending his Open Championship title at St Andrews next week.