Tuesday 24 January 2017 21:38, UK
Rory McIlroy will miss the Dubai Desert Classic as he continues his recovery from a rib injury.
A stress fracture forced McIlroy out of this month's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and a statement from the European Tour confirmed he will remain sidelined next week.
The world No 2 won the tournament in 2009 and 2015 and was tied for sixth 12 months ago, four shots behind champion Danny Willett.
McIlroy initially complained of back pain during the second round of the BMW SA Open but went on to complete the week, losing only in a play-off with Graeme Storm.
An MRI scan later revealed the stress fracture, and McIlroy said at the time: "In situations like this you simply have to listen to the experts and the team I have consulted have all advised me to rest until my rib has fully recovered."
Willett will defend his title in the Middle East against a field featuring Tiger Woods and Race to Dubai winner Henrik Stenson.
