Rafael Nadal excited to return to action in Abu Dhabi

World number four Rafael Nadal has expressed his excitement at returning to action from a lengthy layoff with a knee injury.

The Spaniard is due to take to the court for the first time since June when he competes in the Mubadala World Championship from December 27.

Nadal tweeted: "Can't wait to get back on court in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month. I won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in 2010 and 2011 - would love to get my hands on the trophy again this year!"

Nadal's last competitive match was a second-round defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in the summer.