World number one Rory McIlroy is set to miss this week’s Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) Scottish Open at Gullane, after rupturing ankle ligaments at the weekend.

The Northern Irishman damaged his ankle playing football with friends on Saturday, and took to social media site Instagram to post a picture of his injury on Monday morning.

The 26-year-old four-time Major winner, who was pictured on crutches and wearing a protective boot, 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.” He seems almost certain to miss the tournament at Gullane, which gets under way on Thursday, while he is also a major doubt for The Open Championship at St. Andrews next week, and to defend his US PGA Championship next month.

McIlroy was to be the headline among a stellar field at the AAM Scottish Open, but a host of the game’s biggest names will still be in action, including Americans Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler, and defending champion Justin Rose.