Rafael Nadal ‘in a difficult situation’ as he confirms he is unsure about his return date

The injury clouds are refusing to lift for Rafael Nadal after the 22-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from yet another tournament and he as admitted “I can’t work out what I need to do to compete”.
The tennis great has played only four matches so far this season with the last coming at the Australian Open on January 16 when he lost in the second round of the season-opening Grand Slam against Mackenzie McDonald.
Nadal suffered a double blow that day as he also picked up a hip injury, but it was initially not deemed too serious as he was expected to return to action in six to eight weeks.
Thirteen weeks later and he is still to make his comeback and those 13 weeks will turn into 15 weeks as has confirmed that he will also miss the upcoming Madrid Open.
In a detailed thread on Twitter, Nadal not only confirmed that he will remain sidelined for a few more weeks, but he also revealed that he is not too sure what the future holds in terms of the injury.
“It’s been a while since I communicated directly with you. It has been a difficult few weeks and months. As you know I suffered a major injury in Australia, at the Psoas,” he started off.
“Initially it had to be a six to eight week recovery period and we are now on fourteen. The reality is that the situation is not what we would have expected. All medical indications have been followed, but the evolution has not been what they initially told us.
“We find ourselves in a difficult situation. The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Hola a todos. Hace un tiempo que no me comunico directamente con vosotros. Han sido unas semanas y unos meses difíciles. Como sabéis me hice una una lesión importante en Australia, en el Psoas. pic.twitter.com/m0TbsGFn5t
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 20, 2023
“I will not be able to be in Madrid unfortunately. The injury still hasn’t healed and I can’t work out what I need to do to compete.
“I was training, but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to try to get to what comes next. I can’t give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you but I don’t know. This is how things are now.”
Despite the latest setback, Nadal is determined to play on clay this year and he will only have the Italian Open, which starts on May 8, as a possible warm-up event before the French Open.
The 36-year-old added: “I have no choice but to try to have the right attitude throughout this time, try to give myself the opportunity to compete in one of the tournaments that remains of the clay season and I have no choice but to work and be with the right mentality.
“A very big hug to all and as soon as I have news, I will inform you. Thank you!”
READ MORE: Rumours swirl over Rafael Nadal’s retirement date amid French Open concern