Rory McIlroy has heightened speculation surrounding his return to action by posting photos and videos that shows him working out in the gym and hitting driver without any apparent discomfort from his injured ankle.
McIlroy has not played since suffering a "total rupture" of ligaments in his left ankle during a game of football with friends on July 4, an injury which ruled him out of the Scottish Open and the defence of his Open and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational titles.
The 26 year old has yet to say whether he will be able to defend the US PGA Championship next week and on Tuesday his publicist denied reports he had scheduled a practice round at Whistling Straits on Saturday.
However, on Wednesday McIlroy posted a video on his Instagram account in which he was seen balancing on his left leg and twisting and throwing a gym ball to mimic the actions of the golf swing.
Alongside the short video clip, McIlroy wrote: "Working hard every day to come back stronger #dontmindthegrind."
Click the picture below to view Rory's video...
McIlroy will be replaced as World Number One by Masters Tournament and US Open Champion Jordan Spieth if the 22 year old American can win his first World Golf Championships title at Firestone Country Club this week.
It was at the same event that McIlroy overturned a three-shot deficit to Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia in the final round 12 months ago to move back to the top of the rankings.
However, Spieth is looking forward to seeing the Northern Irishman back in action as soon as possible.
Speaking at a press conference in Akron ahead of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, he said: "We all want Rory back ASAP.
"I saw that video he posted today and it looks like he is making tremendous progress, so hopefully he is back soon."
Rory's posts continued on Thursday, when he shared this photo of his injured ankle as it looked a few weeks ago, adding the comment: "I've come a long way since."
And then the biggest hint that he may be returning was this swing video he posted Thursday afternoon.
