The announcement comes just days away from the tournament opener, which would have seen reigning champion O'Sullivan kickstart the competition against John Higgins on Sunday.

Neil Robertson has replaced O’Sullivan in the draw.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from The Masters on medical grounds and will be replaced in the draw by Neil Robertson, with his first-round opponent John Higgins now facing the Australian

The seven-time world champion has made a last-minute decision to pull out of this year's Masters, a day after whacking his cue on the table in frustration during a defeat to Rob Milkins.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has been forced to withdraw from The Masters due to medical reasons, with Neil Robertson stepping in to face John Higgins in the first round

Ronnie O'Sullivan, the defending champion, will miss the Masters in London on medical grounds.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League following a series of bizarre antics during a defeat in his penultimate group match.

Ronnie O'Sullivan made headlines last year when he launched into an astonishing rant about opponent Ali Carter - and The Rocket has now reflected on his behaviour

O'Sullivan didn't have a great time in the tournament, and let his frustrations boil over.

O'Sullivan ripped into rival Carter at last year's Masters with an astonishing rant following his victory

The Rocket's preparations for defending his Masters title aren't going to plan just days before the showpiece gets underway

The Rocket is having a difficult time in the build-up to defending his Masters title at Alexandra Palace