Rory McIlroy ruled out of action until March with a stress fracture in his rib
World number two targets a return for the WGC in Mexico but will miss the Genesis Open and Honda Classic
RORY MCILROY has been ruled out of action until March with a rib injury.
The world number two was forced to pull out of next week's Dubai Desert Classic when a scan revealed he is suffering a stress fracture.
The Northern Irishman also had to withdraw from last week's Abu Dhabi Championship after complaining of back pain during the South Africa Open - which he lost in a play-off to England's Graeme Storm.
But the four-time major winner has targeted a return to action for the World Golf Championship in Mexico which begins on March 2.
The 27-year-old has already started his rehabilitation from his injury and has taken to the putting green.
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With McIlroy ruled out for both the Genesis Open and Honda Classic in February, he will be concerned that his return will come just a month before the first major of the year at Augusta.
The Masters is the only major tournament that has alluded him so far as he plots to win a Grand Slam of tournaments.
, McIlroy said: "I'd like to ease my way in gently, so Mexico is the perfect time to return.
"It's four rounds, there's no cut, I can see how everything feels. I have a week off after that, so Mexico, all signs point toward Mexico being the one where I could come back to and be 100 percent comfortable at.
"Hopefully it works out that way."