Spanish stars Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer will make their long-awaited Davis Cup return when their country face Denmark in a Europe-Africa zone playoff tie from September 18-20.

 

The announcement is a huge boost for Spain who have not included world number eight Nadal in their side, since 2013 against Ukraine, and world number seven Ferrer who has not played since Spain lost the 2012 final against the Czech Republic in Prague.

 

Roberto Bautista, Fernando Verdasco and David Marrero complete the line-up which will be led by new captain Conchita Martinez.

 

“We have a spectacular team,” enthused Martinez, who assumed her post in the summer after a stand-off between the players and her predecessor Gala Leon.

 

“Our players are committed and motivated to lead the team forward, maintain our status and get back in the World Group next year,” added the 43-year-old, who remains the only Spanish woman to win the Wimbledon singles title with her 1994 victory over Martina Navratilova.

 

Nadal, the former world number one who this season failed to win a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2004, is expected to team up with Verdasco in the doubles.

 

He was narrowly beaten in five sets, at the third round stage, in the on-going US Open by Italian Fabio Fognini.

 

The tie to be played at Odense, Denmark, on a hard indoor surface will determine who stays in Group I.

 

The losers will face a final battle against Sweden in a bid to remain in the group just below the World Group level.