Ryder Cup injury blow forces Team Europe into last-minute change just moments before tee off

Tyrrell Hatton is partnering Matt Fitzpatrick in a crucial fourballs match for Team Europe, stepping in at the last minute for team-mate Viktor Hovland after he was sidelined due to a neck injury. Europe continued its dominance in the Ryder Cup on Saturday, following a powerful performance in the morning foursomes session.

After a commanding display against Team USA on Friday, Luke Donald's squad certainly didn't miss a beat. Donald had initially chosen Hovland to team up with Fitzpatrick for the day's final session, pitted against Keegan Bradley's selection of Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay.

However, an unexpected twist saw the 28-year-old Norwegian withdraw at the eleventh hour.

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Hatton, fresh from his foursomes victory with Jon Rahm earlier in the day, was called upon by Donald to fill the gap, reports the Mirror US.

LIV Golf star Hatton, 33, was warned that he may well be needed in the afternoon after Hovland had treatment on his neck in the morning.

Hovland was fortunately able to play in the morning foursomes. He teamed up with MacIntyre to see off world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler – who's lost all three of his matches so far – and Russell Henley.

Hovland helped add another point to Europe's tally to see the score sit at 8 1/2 to 3 1/2 going into Saturday afternoon.

Hatton was able to replace Hovland in the fourballs session as the rules stated in the Captains Agreement, under section 3.c), that "in the event of illness, injury or other emergency reason to a player selected to play in a match, he may be substituted by another member of the team previously not selected, prior to the commencement of this match."

Donald believes in Hatton to help get the job done in the absence of Hovland, whose withdrawal was just a precaution.

Hovland is fully expected to take part in the singles session on Sunday.

When asked if there was a strategy change as Rasmus Hojgaard is the only European star not playing, Donald said how important adaptability is on day two.

"Saturday is always a little bit more fluid," Donald stated.

"We have four really strong groups, and we're excited to see how the session goes again."