Rafael Nadal is expected to resume practicing in about two and a half weeks, following surgery for appendicitis and stem-cell treatment for a back injury.

Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni, told Spanish television that the world No. 3 would start training again at the beginning of December, having taken a month off for the two medical procedures.

Nadal told Spanish reporters the surgery went well, and that he had begun going on walks three days after the procedure. The back treatment involves stem-cell injections in the problem area, a similar procedure to the injections of enriched blood plasma Nadal has previously had for tendinitis in his knees. According to medical experts quoted by *El Pais*, the procedure is an advanced one "not accessible worldwide," and "may or may not work." It is said to require three weeks, including five days of inactivity.

Nadal suffered the back injury during the Australian Open final, and found it flaring up again during the season, including at the French Open.

The Spaniard also experienced a wrist injury that kept him from playing the U.S. Open. He is scheduled to make his on-court return next year at the Abu Dhabi exhibition.