Rory McIlroy won't play in Abu Dhabi due to rib injury

An MRI on Monday revealed a rib injury for Rory McIlroy.

The 22-time winner on the professional circuit will not be in the field this week at the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi as a result.

“It’s bitterly disappointing to have to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship," he said in a statement. "I think everyone knows how much I love playing this tournament, which is one of the best on the European Tour thanks to the incredible support of HSBC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. To be forced to miss this week through injury is really quite annoying to be perfectly honest, but I am sure the tournament will be a huge success and I hope everyone involved has a great week.

“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.”

Last weekend in South Africa, McIlroy managed the injury with tape and muscle relaxants, eventually placing second in a playoff at the BMW SA Open.

He hinted afterward that similar treatment may not hold up for another weekend without proper care.