Albert Costa, the Davis Cup team selector, has confirmed in Pamplona today that Rafael Nadal has not been included in the team to face Germany in the quarter-finals of the competition, saying that the world number one 'is not fit and needs to rest'.

Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, Feliciano López and Tommy Robredo make up the Spanish team for the next Davis Cup tie in Marbella, with Nicolás Almagro as the substitute.

Costa explained that although Nadal was 'a pillar of Spanish tennis' he has not picked up a racquet in two weeks and is 'in no condition' to play.  The team selector showed absolute confidence in his chosen players saying that they could all play 'spectacular tennis' and that he considered them a 'young and highly motivated team'.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, the only Spaniard to make it into the Wimbledon quarter-finals this week, has also been left out of the squad on the basis of 'an up-and-down season', although Costa agreed that he was now 'back to playing some of his best tennis'.

With regard to the opponents, Germany, Costa described the upcoming contest as 'very difficult' and that the team would approach the matches 'with confidence, but also with great respect'.

The Davis Cup tie will take place in the Puerto Banús bullring in Marbella between 10th and 12th of July.