BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Spain's plans for the weekend Davis Cup first-round tie against the Czech Republic were set back with Tuesday's news that Juan Carlos Ferrero won't play.
Ferrero injured his groin en route to the semifinals of the Australian Open last week.
"He will start rehabilitation on Wednesday and the idea is for him to return to action in just over a week," explained Ferrero's coach Antonio Martinez.
The reigning French Open champion had already hinted he would prefer to miss the Davis Cup than to risk a more serious injury.
Spain already is without Carlos Moya, who is suffering from an ankle injury. Tommy Roredo and Alberto Martin have stepped in as replacements, while Feliciano Lopez will play singles.
The Spanish lost to host Australia in the Davis Cup final last year.
