Rory McIlroy 'able to walk' as Open battle continues
Wednesday 8 July 2015 16:53, UK
Rory McIlroy's injured ankle is showing signs of improvement as he continues his battle to be fit for next week's 144th Open.
Last year's winner is a major doubt to defend his title at St Andrews after rupturing a ligament during a weekend game of football with friends.
The injury typically requires at least six weeks' rehabilitation, but McIlroy has not yet ruled himself out, and it is understood he can now walk a short distance unaided.
Sky sources also say the swelling in the joint has come down and that the 26-year-old is in "great form" despite the prospect of sitting out the season's third major.
McIlroy is being treated with ice and a compression boot.
The Northern Irishman first announced his injury on Monday on his Instagram page by saying: "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."
McIlroy, who won last year's Open at Royal Liverpool, was due to compete in this week's Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Gullane but has since withdrawn.
