Nadal to resume training

Manacor - Rafael Nadal is due to resume training early next week after resting a right knee injury in the wake of a retirement during his quarter-final match with Andy Murray last month at the Australian Open.

Spanish media reported the confirmation from the player's coach and uncle Toni Nadal, speaking with fans online. "Rafa will return at Indian Wells (starting the week of March 8 where he has a title to defend)."

Toni Nadal said the possibility of playing in champion Spain's Davis Cup first round March 5-7 against a Switzerland which will be missing Roger Federer remains undecided.

"It will depend on how his injury situation evolves and what the doctors think," said the senior Nadal.

"Everything is going as planned," added the uncle. Nadal had been advised to rest for two weeks before resuming training, the exact timetable so far.

The ranking of the four-time Roland Garros champion has dropped to fourth after his Melbourne problems, with the Spaniard's camp saying that ATP numbers are much less important than regaining fitness.

Nadal is still looking for his first title since last spring on clay in Rome.