David Howell has dropped from 9th to 205th in the world rankings since 2006

David Howell has pulled out from the Spanish Open after suffering another injury setback which could keep him sidelined for the next fortnight.

The Swindon golfer had to withdraw in Girona with a side strain and could now also miss next week's Italian Open.

"If it was the last round of The Open I'd be playing," he said. "But it's not the way to start off a tournament.

"I'm terribly fed up. I did it lifting something awkward at home 10 days ago and this week is just too soon for it."

Swindon Broome Manor member Howell's career has been plagued by a series of back, shoulder, hip and wrist injuries in recent seasons.

Fingers crossed I'll be back for the Italian Open - but that's probably 50/50 at best David Howell

Howell, twice part of a winning European Ryder Cup team, could have played in Spain, where he was due to tee off alongside John Daly.

But he admitted that it is was not worth risking further problems.

"I woke up yesterday and it was the best it's been since I did it," added Howell. "I played nine holes but it was clearly not 100% and then it got worse.

"Fingers crossed I'll be back for the Italian Open next week, but that's probably 50/50 at best, so I could be looking at the Irish Open instead."

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