Rory McIlroy’s chances of playing in the British Open from July 16-19 are in serious doubt after the world number one ruptured his ankle ligaments playing football.

The Northern Irishman won the third major of the year in 2014 after finishing two shots ahead of American Rickie Fowler and Spain’s Sergio Garcia but his chances of featuring at St Andrews this month are slim.

The 26-year-old confirmed the injury on his Twitter account and revealed the recovery process will be taken one day at a time as he targets a quick return to competitive action.

A post on his social media page said: “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 recorded his best finish at the Masters this year when ending fourth, has already clinched the WGC-Cadillac Match Play and the Wells Fargo Championship this season and was fancied to win a fifth career major.

The three-time Ryder Cup winner has not been ruled out of the Open but with ankle ligament injuries generally taking over two weeks to heal the chances of an appearance look slim.

McIlroy, who is a four-time major winner, is priced at 3.00 to win one of the last two ‘big four’ tournaments this term while he is quoted 1.40 not to win any.

The news makes American sensation Jordan Spieth the overwhelming favourite to win the Open and continue his quest to become the first player to complete the ‘Ultimate Grand Slam’.

The 21-year-old has already won the Masters and the US Open this season and the potential withdrawal of McIlroy is expected to make his odds shorten even more.