Ferrer to deputise for Nadal

World number five David Ferrer will deputise for the injured Rafa Nadal as Spain's leading man in the Davis Cup final.

Nadal has seen his season decimated by a knee problem and will not recover in time to face the Czech Republic in Prague later this month.

Ferrer has stepped up to the plate in his compatriot's absence - starring for the holders in a team that also includes Nicolas Almagro, Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez.

"Ferrer's leadership has been important in Nadal's absence despite him saying at the start of the year he was not planning to play," said captain Alex Corretja.

The 30-year-old Ferrer will be appearing in his fourth Davis Cup final but despite their excellent record, Corretja believes the visitors go into the clash as underdogs.

"We believe they are going to lay a very fast surface," he added. "We know it will be tough and that we are not favourites."