Rory McIlroy is "sick" of hearing about Tiger Woods's private life and just wants to see him back playing golf soon.

The world number one is at last going to speak on Friday, albeit only in a statement, and is expected to make his comeback next month.

Nothing has been heard or seen of Woods since his car crash in late November, which was swiftly followed by allegations of a string of affairs, an admission of "transgressions" and a decision to take an indefinite break.

"He's got to come back at some point," said McIlroy after a thrilling victory from four down over American Kevin Na at the WGC-Accenture Match Play in Arizona.

"I mean, it just went on for so long I think. I'm sick of hearing about it.

"I'm just looking forward to when he's getting back on the golf course."

The timing of Woods's announcement comes during the third day of the event in Tucson, an event backed by one of the companies who have axed him.

"I suppose he wanted to get something back at the sponsors," added McIlroy.

Current Open champion Stewart Cink added: "It's encouraging that he's coming back to at least be seen by the public and the rest of us too - I consider myself the public when we're talking about this matter.

"It's good that we're going to see Tiger Woods.

"I don't know what he's going to talk about really. I think it's coincidental that he would pick the Friday of Accenture to announce.

"It's probably got more to do with his schedule than anything else. It will be good to see Tiger's face again and see that he's actually out there somewhere.

"We haven't really known much. I think this is maybe the beginning of the comeback process for him."