Rafael Nadal edges closer to return after ending Davis Cup hiatus

World No 2 Rafael Nadal has been included in Spain’s Davis Cup squad for their upcoming tie against Germany.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner has not featured for Spain in the team event since September 2016 when he helped his country to return to the World Cup with victory over India.

Nadal, who has not played competitive tennis since the Australian Open due to a hip problem, has been included along with David Ferrer, Pablo Carreno, Roberto Bautista and Feliciano Lopez.

However, captain Sergi Bruguera says they will assess 31-year-old’s fitness in the week before the rubber before they make a decision on whether or not he will play.

“He is getting better and about to finish his recovery, training well and in better shape,” Bruguera said. “We still have a week and a half to go before the series and we hope that he will be better.

“I am not going to confirm anything about any player. I won’t decide my team until Thursday.”

The Davis Cup quarter-final against Germany takes place over the weekend of April 6-8 in Valencia.