McIlroy has been injury-free since missing two months with a
sprained ankle in 2015, a layoff that prevented him from
defending his British Open title, and the latest setback could
rule him out of next week's Abu Dhabi Championship.
"I am going for a scan... to see what's up with this joint in my
back. It was manageable this week with tape and a few pills so I
am fine," the world number two told British media.
"But first and foremost, I have to get fully fit and healthy
again. I don't want to jeopardize long-term goals for short-term
gain."
It is a worrying start to the year for the four-times major
winner as McIlroy targets a return to the top of the world
rankings and the completion of a career grand slam at the
Masters in April.
(Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru)
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