LEE WESTWOOD is expected to play in the Alstom French Open despite being involved in a hospital drama in Paris yesterday. There was real concern for the world number three after he was initially told that swelling in his right calf and ankle might be a blood clot.

But after pulling out of the pro-am at Le Golf National and being driven away with his wife Laurae, further tests brought good news.

Management spokesman Stuart Cage said: “The doctor has decided there is no DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clot and that the problem has something to do with a reaction to the heat.

“Lee is going to have an anti-inflammatory dressing put on the muscle and, if he rests up tonight, then hopefully the swelling will go down and he will be able to play tomorrow.

“He is certainly going to go to the course in the morning and make a decision then.”

Westwood, who lost a play-off to Martin Kaymer last year, is skipping the Scottish Open but is scheduled to take part in the JP McManus Pro-Am ahead of the British Open.

Ian Poulter will also make a late decision whether to compete after reacting badly to an insect bite on his right shin. The world number eight believes a horsefly might have been responsible while he was practising at Woburn on Monday.

Rory McIlroy leads a nine-strong Irish challenge at the €3 million event, which carries a winning prize of €500,000.

And the Holywood golfer believes the hard and fast nature of the course is perfect as he prepares for the third major of the year.

“It has a bit of a links feel to it. This is a great course and great venue and there are a lot of world ranking points,” said McIlroy.

McIlroy is joined at Le Golf National by Michael Hoey, Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie, Gareth Maybin and Simon Thornton, who enjoyed his first top-10 finish at last week’s BMW International Open. Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Shane Lowry also tee it up today.