"As of right now, yes..." Xander Schauffele's manager provides PGA Tour return update

Xander Schauffele is expected to make his return to PGA Tour action at next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, his manager Gao Ya Chen has confirmed to GolfMagic. 

Schauffele, 31, has been ruled out of competing on the PGA Tour since picking up a rib injury following the first event of the season in January. 

But the World No.2 is now scheduled to make a return to iconic Bay Hill from 6-9 March. 

Schauffele's manager confirmed the latest news via a text exchange with GolfMagic's Garrett Johnston. 

"As of right now, yes he plans to play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational," Chen told GolfMagic. 

When pressed further as to whether Schauffele was anywhere near 100% fully fit right now, Chen replied: "Still not sure and hard to put a [percentage] number on it."

Schauffele is now looking to build up some competitive reps with just over four weeks to go until The Masters, a major that has eluded the American despite a number of close calls down the years, notably a T2 in 2019 and T3 in 2021. 

After winning both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship last year in a stellar summer, Schauffele now has the opportunity to creep a little closer to the career grand slam should he deliver a Masters win at Augusta National in April.

"Xander is doing what he can to get ready, but obviously he has not played much since his practice has been limited for a prolonged period of time now," added Chen.