We can win without Nadal, says Spain coach

Spain's Davis Cup captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario says his team can prevail in their World Group tie against Belarus next week without French Open champion Rafael Nadal.

The world number two is planning to return later this month after an ankle injury picked up in October, but Sanchez Vicario said the Taraflex surface chosen by Belarus for the first round contest in Minsk starting on February 10 would not suit him anyway.

"We would like to have had him in the side because he is pure positive energy," Sanchez Vicario said.

"But this kind of surface is the worst for his injured foot. Even though we have some players missing the team is still competitive."

Sanchez Vicario said the surface gives Belarus an advantage and goes some way to explaining their excellent home record.

"Belarus have never lost at home and have beaten teams at a similar level to us like Germany and Argentina," he said.

Aside from Nadal, Sanchez Vicario had to leave out Juan Carlos Ferrero who sustained a stomach injury at the Australian Open last month.

The team comprises David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco.