BBC SPORT | Golf | Ryder Cup | Monty sets Sunday deadline

Colin Montgomerie's participation at this year's Ryder Cup hangs in the balance following the recurrence of his back injury.

The Europe player was forced to pull out of the Munich International Open in early September, just two weeks after retiring from the second round of the WGC-NEC Invitational.

He made his comeback at last week's German Linde Masters and although he finished inside the top 10, it was evident that Montgomerie was far from happy.

"My gut feeling is I am going but it got quite painful at the end. The pain is tiring." said Montgomerie after the event.

Guide to the Europe team

"But, if I can't play five times for Sam (Torrance - the European captain), I'm not going."

The Scot's manager Guy Kinnings was more upbeat about his player's chances of competing at the Ryder Cup.

"I've spoken to Monty and he was really encouraged by last week. He played well and his back behaved well," said Kinnings.

Padraig Harrington is nearing full recovery
Harrington is nearing full recovery
"He wants to play a full part next week, but it's not up to him whether he plays five times or not. Sam is the skipper.

"Monty will wait and see how he feels this week, but he's got to be very positive and he's got to be encouraged."

Montgomerie has one last chance to prove his fitness, when he takes part at the American Express World Championships in Ireland, which begins on Thursday.

Kinnings added he expected the Scot to make his final decison upon completion of the event, on Sunday.

Fellow European star Padraig Harrington's participation at The Belfry has also been in doubt.

Pain in his neck and back required regular physiotherapy, but after completing the Linde Masters, the Irishman said he was 95% recovered.

Harrington will also take part in the World Championship.