Poulter injury puts Ryder Cup place in doubt

"I am obviously disappointed to be in this situation, especially during a Ryder Cup year," Poulter, an inspirational member of Europe's last five teams, was quoted as saying on the BBC.

"Right now, rest and rehab take priority."

Poulter, ranked 85th in the world, is likely to be out of action for four months, British media reported.

Having won Ryder Cup 14 points from a possible 18 in his career, Poulter would probably have been awarded a captain's pick by Darren Clarke for this year's match against the United States at Hazeltine, Minnesota.

Poulter was credited with sparking Europe's magnificent fightback victory at Medinah in 2012 when he birdied his last five holes in the final fourball match.

As it stands, Poulter is ranked 42 on the European points list and 38 on the world points list