Wednesday 12 August 2015 18:43, UK
Rory McIlroy has posted a video of himself working out in the gym without apparent discomfort to his injured ankle – sparking speculation that a return to action may be imminent.
McIlroy has not played since suffering a "total rupture" of ligaments in his left ankle during a game of football with friends on July 4, an injury which ruled him out of the Scottish Open and the defence of his Open and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational titles.
The 26-year-old has yet to say whether he will be able to defend the US PGA Championship next week and on Tuesday his publicist denied reports he had scheduled a practice round at Whistling Straits on Saturday.
However, on Wednesday McIlroy posted a video on his Instagram account in which he was seen balancing on his left leg and twisting and throwing a gym ball to mimic the actions of the golf swing.
Alongside the short video clip, McIlroy wrote: "Working hard every day to come back stronger #dontmindthegrind."
McIlroy will be replaced as world No 1 by Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth if the 22-year-old American can win his first World Golf Championship title at Firestone Country Club this week.
It was at the same event that McIlroy overturned a three-shot deficit to Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia in the final round 12 months ago to move back to the top of the rankings.
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