Physio says McIlroy 'really up against it'

World No 1 Rory McIlroy is facing a real struggle to be fit for next week's British Open at St. Andrews after rupturing ligaments in his left ankle, according to former European Tour physio Jonathan Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury said on Monday the normal recovery time was 12 weeks for the injury that the 26-year-old Northern Irishman sustained while playing soccer with friends.

"Rory is really up against it to play in the Open," the Englishman said. "He's going to have to walk around seven or eight miles a day.