Rafael Nadal is set to make his return to the Davis Cup this month when Spain take on Ukraine in the World Group play-offs. He will join up with Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco and Marc Lopez for the September 13-15 match on his favoured clay at Madrid’s Magic Box arena, captain Alex Corretja told a news conference.

“Nadal brings vitality and optimism and when I spoke to him in New York he expressed a lot of strength and desire. The good news is Rafa is back but the effort made by everyone in the team is the same,” Corretja said.

Rafa last played with the Davis Cup team in the final held in Seville in December 2011 when Spain won their fifth title, beating Argentina 3-1.