British number one Andy Murray faces yet more time on the sidelines after withdrawing from the Shanghai Masters as he continues his rehabilitation from a wrist injury.

Murray first picked up the problem during the US Open and further aggravated it during Great Britain’s Davis Cup loss against Poland in Liverpool last month.

The fiery Scot’s Shanghai absence comes hot on the heels of his decision to miss out on the Japan Open last week.

Murray is targeting a return to action in Valencia on November 2, with the ATP World Tour Finals in London three weeks later.

"I apologise for the inconvenience that my withdrawal may cause but I trust you understand, the situation is beyond my control and I would much rather participate in the tournament than be in the current position regarding my health," Murray said in a letter to the Shanghai tournament organisers.

And a statement on the Scot's website read: "Due to medical advice Andy will not be travelling to China.

"He has decided to give his wrist extra time to recover and is likely to return for the Valencia Open."