World number one Rory McIlroy has not yet found out when he will be able to return to competitive golf action after rupturing his ankle ligaments.

The four-time Major winner picked up the injury playing football with his friends and had to pull out of this week's Open Championship, where he is defending champion.

McIlroy said that he was taking a "long-term" approach to his recovery, and fellow Northern Irishman Darren Clarke suggested ahead of the 144th Open at St Andrews that he would not return until next year.

However, McIlroy's camp insist that it is not yet known when he will be able to return to the course.

"There was no basis for Darren's comments," a spokesman told PA. "Rory's rehabilitation is progressing well but his return date is not yet known."

McIlroy has been top of the world rankings for almost a year, but will lose first place if in-form Jordan Spieth wins a third straight Major at St Andrews this week.