Rory McIlroy said his back injury is “a lot better” but confirmed he will make a “game-time” decision on whether to defend his title at The Players.

McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational ahead of his third round on Saturday, having felt “a small twinge” in his lower back during his warm-up before experiencing “muscle spasms” on the range.

The world No 2 went to see his physio that afternoon in West Palm Beach and visited them daily in the lead-up to the PGA Tour’s flagship event, with McIlroy delaying his arrival until Wednesday to continue his treatment.

McIlroy didn’t arrive at TPC Sawgrass until 2.20pm local time on Wednesday and was unable to play a practice round, leaving him unable to confirm whether he will definitely feature.

“It [the back] is better than it was,” McIlroy said ahead of his title defence, live on Thursday from 11.30am on Sky Sports Golf. “I’ve got about 20 hours until I tee off, or until I’m supposed to tee off tomorrow, so we’ll see.

“I’m taking it sort of hour by hour, but it feels better – that’s all I can say. I couldn’t stand to address the ball on Saturday morning on the range at Bay Hill and it’s obviously better than that.

“So, yeah, probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction. Hopefully a good night tonight. The drugs are working wonders, and then just keep it going from there.”

‘More sensitivity than pain’ – will McIlroy play?

McIlroy only hit up to a six-iron during his practice session before speaking to the media, having seen his press conference – originally set for earlier in the day – rescheduled, before walking nine holes with caddie Harry Diamond, a wedge and a putter.

“I wouldn’t even call it pain – I would say just more like sensitivity,” McIlroy added. “Even just hitting balls there for a little bit, just feel like my muscles around the area just getting a little bit fatigued.

“Right adductor started to cramp a little bit, but it’s fine – it’s expected. But more like sensitivity rather than pain.

“The nice thing is you don’t really need driver around here that much, especially with how firm it is. Obviously getting into the longer clubs is something that I’m going to have to try to do tomorrow. I hit up until six-iron there and it felt okay.”

McIlroy is looking to join Scottie Scheffler as the only player to successfully defend their title at The Players, while a win this week would see him join Jack Nicklaus as the only three-time winner in tournament history.

“I’ve been playing here since 2009, so it’s not like I don’t know the place,” McIlroy said about the possibility of playing without a practice round. “It seems like a pretty different set-up this year than what it’s been in previous years in March.

“I would much rather do short game and putting on the course rather than on the practice area, just get a better feel for the shots that you need. Lines off tees and clubs off tees – I know all of that stuff, but it’s just getting a feel of how the ball’s reacting on the greens.”

The five-time major winner is scheduled to tee-off at 1.42pm local time (5.42pm UK and Ireland) on Thursday, as part of Featured Group coverage alongside two-time major winner Xander Schauffele and 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.

On whether there is any risk of playing through the injury, McIlroy added: “It’s not structural, it’s not joint, it’s fine. It’s purely muscular sort of discomfort and fatigue. What I’ve been told, obviously I’ll listen to the professionals, but there’s nothing that I can do that’s going to harm that.

“I don’t think it’s something where if I play I’m at risk of doing any damage.”

Who will win The Players? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins at 11.30am on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, before starting at 1pm over the weekend. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.