Stuttgart - A toe injury, which necessitates surgery, has forced Kevin Anderson to withdraw from the South African team to face Germany this weekend in a World Group Playoff Davis Cup tie in Stuttgart.

Anderson, who has not played Davis Cup for almost two years, explained that he had been carrying this toe injury for some time. However, it had got progressively worse and he has been advised that surgery is now essential in order that no further damage is incurred.

“I am beyond disappointment and frustrated with this news,” said Anderson, “not only because of the implications of my injury, but also because I was very much looking forward to representing South Africa again in Davis Cup competition again – something that has always been a memorable and meaningful experience for me.”

Originally a squad of five was named and that means the four players remaining will make up the team. They are Izak van der Merwe, Rik de Voest, Wesley Moodie and Jeff Coetzee. John-Laffnie de Jager is the captain.  

“It is very disappointing that Kevin pulled out but we all know that with sport come injuries and it’s out of your hands,” said De Jager. “We wish him the best and I hope he recovers soon.”

Meanwhile, the Germans have nominated their four players, although they still can change two of them prior to Thursday’s draw. Their team is Philipp Kohlschreiber, Florian Mayer, Andreas Beck and doubles specialist Christopher Kas.  The non-playing captain is Patrik Kuhnen.

The tie will be played on red clay with the first two singles on Friday, the doubles on Saturday and the reverse singles on Sunday.

The winner will go through to the World Group next year while the loser will remain in the Euro/Africa Zone Group 1.