McIlroy out of Dubai Classic

Rory McIlroy has been forced to pull out of next week’s Dubai Desert Classic as he continues his recovery from a rib injury.

The world number two had to withdraw from last week’s Abu Dhabi Championship with the problem so the decision not to play in Dubai comes as no great surprise.

The 27-year-old managed to battle through the pain at the South Africa Open, where he lost in a play-off to England’s Graeme Storm, before scans revealed a stress fracture in a rib.

The European Tour announced McIlroy’s withdrawal from the event, which he won in 2009, while the Northern Irishman has confirmed he is still undergoing rehabilitation.

A date cannot be put on his return but McIlroy’s withdrawal from next week’s European Tour event is a further setback to his preparations for the Masters in April, as he looks to complete the career Grand Slam.

Former world number one Tiger Woods is scheduled to be in the field in Dubai.

Tagged Dubai Desert Classic, Rory McIlroy