German Martin Kaymer has claimed that former world number one Tiger Woods could still win more majors in the future, as long as he can avoid more injuries.

Woods was expected to add more majors to his collection after winning his 14th in the 2008, but he has since dropped to 726th in the world rankings.

The 40-year-old has had to deal with personal problems and knee and back injuries in the past, with his latest problem keeping him off the course for over 12 months.

The American has undergone two operations on his back, but after a long lay-off he is now ready to return at the Safeway Open in October.

Woods has planned to play in two other tournaments before the end of the year and Kaymer believes he can get back to his best.

He told Reuters: “At the end of the day it all comes down to Tiger’s health.

If he can practise the way he wants to practise, as hard as he wants, then I think he can win any golf tournament in the world.

“He’s proved it before so I don’t see why he can’t do it again. The competition now is obviously a lot harder but I think it would be very disrespectful to take him out of consideration for winning any tournament in the world.

“His return is great for golf and we all look forward to welcoming him back. We all know he can win tournaments the way he plays. I think it is more about the mental challenge for him over the next few months, not trying to want things too much, to be patient and calm about things.”