Olazabal Likely To Miss Ryder's Cup Due To Injury

Andalucia, Spain (AHN) - Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal says he is unlikely to suit up for Europe in the Ryder's Cup in September unless he recovers from his injury.

The Spaniard, 42, who is Nick Faldo's vice-captain for the Kentucky event, has had a second long spell out of the game after suffering in 1995-1996 from arthritis in his foot. The problem has now affected his knee, shoulder, groin and lower-back area making it difficult for him to walk and bend.

Said Olazabal: "Unless I recover right away and my game hits standards I haven't reached before, as far as playing is concerned, I'm out of the picture."

Olazabal, who due to nagging problems of arthritis cut short his 2007 season, is expected to play at the Andalucia Open on Thursday.

"I'm going to take it on a weekly basis, test myself and see if I can cope with competition again," he said.

"If my body holds up then I will reassess my situation. I do not know whether I will be able to play a schedule in America, but if I feel the pain is bearable then I'm looking at playing the Houston Open and the Masters," Olazabal adds.

Olazabal had been playing for team Europe in the Ryder Cup seven times. He has won the Masters in 1994 and in 1999.