European Ryder Cup hopeful hints he's already received bad news: "Such a heavy heart"

European Ryder Cup hopeful Matt Wallace appears to have indicated he doesn't believe he has done enough to be included among Luke Donald's six wildcards. 

Donald will name his captain's picks on 1 September, with many expecting the former World No.1 to deliver good news to Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka. 

They will join Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood and Rasmus Hojgaard. 

It would mean 11 players that featured in the 2023 victory two years ago will wear the blue and gold once again at Bethpage Black, with recent qualifier Hojgaard taking the place of his twin brother.  

Wallace is among a small contingent of golfers who may believe they have a slim chance of getting the call.

The Omega European Masters represents the final opportunity to impress Donald and his vice-captains. 

But the Englishman appears to believe it is curtains for his chances, explaining on an Instagram post that he has returned to Switzerland as the defending champion with 'a heavy heart' after finishing 12th in the standings. 

"It's been a year since we were last here in Crans Montana, Switzerland," he said. 

"A year of dedication to my craft, all in the hope of trying to get a spot in Europe's Ryder Cup team. I'm coming back with such a heavy heart but one full of pride and gratitude towards my team. 

"We have given it everything. The drive and feeling I get within when the Ryder Cup is mentioned is quite surreal, especially when it's a match I've never actually managed to be a part of.

"I've said on record that I will never stop trying to be a part of it until I quit playing golf, and that is true, but it’s difficult to put into words just how much this year meant to me. 

"I will learn from this and be stronger for the next campaign.

"To all involved, thankyou, and to all the fans out there, you're the best and we will go again. 

"In the meantime it's back up the mountain to a tournament that means the world to me and I'm excited to enjoy it with my family and loved ones."

Will there be any surprises from Donald?

Luke Donald's counterpart, Keegan Bradley, has already warned that some golfers who believe they are on his team will be disappointed. 

Sam Burns has reportedly already been told to pack a suitcase. 

Donald's choices are likely to be less surprising, but you could argue he does face at least one tough decision. 

Spain's Jon Rahm, who was crowned LIV's individual champion for the second successive year, looks nailed on to be involved. 

The same can be said for Shane Lowry, who only just missed out on automatic qualification. 

Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg - winners on the PGA Tour this season - will undoubtedly be picked. 

Sepp Straka is an interesting one. The Austrian no doubt deserves a pick but his recent form has tailed off. He recently withdrew from the BtourMW Championship - the second leg of the PGA Tour's playoffs in Maryland - to attend a 'family matter'. 

Straka returned at the Tour Championship and was one of only two players that finished the 30-man season finale over par. 

Matthew Fitzpatrick lost his game at the start of the year and it led to his split with legendary caddie Billy Foster. 

Fitzpatrick has found form in recent months and has very likely done enough to get good news from Donald. 

But if Donald isn't convinced of Fitzpatrick or Straka, he has no shortage of alternatives. 

Alex Noren reminded everyone of his quality with his victory at the British Masters. 

Harry Hall has had a fine season on the PGA Tour, carding more rounds in the 60s than Scottie Scheffler. 

Marco Penge is a superstar in waiting, while Aaron Rai's driving could be a weapon at Bethpage. 

Nicolai Hojgaard may also be in the reckoning.