Barcelona, Jan 29 : Rafael Nadal will miss a month of ATP play, including the Rotterdam and Dubai events, his management confirmed Friday after medical examinations on his return from the Australian Open.

The former world number one, who will fall to fourth Monday after losing a quarter-final at the Grand Slam to Andy Murray, was advised by his doctors that he will need four weeks of recuperation.

"As I mentioned in Melbourne after my match and at the airport as I landed in Spain, I know this is not the same injury I suffered last year," said Nadal, who hurt his knee at the French Open last May and was unable to defend his Wimbledon title.

"I feel good and I am only thinking now of recovering well. My main goal is to get ready again and fit to play the upcoming events once I am able to compete.

"It's not important for me the ranking issue and losing a few spots, that's normal when you are not able to compete.

"For me it is more important to play well again and to have the good feeling on the court that I had in Abu Dhabi, Doha and also at the Australian Open where I played at the highest level."

Nadal's doctor, Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, said the player suffered "a minimal tear on the back part of his right knee.

"He will undertake treatment - rest for two weeks with physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory treatment as well as TECAR machines.

"Depending on the results of tests and controls, he will steadily resume his sporting activity with a total recovery time to resume competition in four weeks."

Under that timetable Nadal's participation in Spain's home Davis Cup tie March 5-7 against Switzerland remains uncertain as well. (DPA)