Juan Martin del Potro will arrive at Indian Wells for his first event since retiring in Dubai with an ongoing left wrist problem.

The Argentine will reportedly try for an early practice to see how the injury is holding up after less than a week of treatment and rest. He is defending finalist points after beating both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at the event last year.

Del Potro was hampered by the wrist at the Australian Open, where he suffered a second-round loss, and has continued to struggle with it during subsequent tournaments. He has been undergoing tests and treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

"It's hurting all the time, sometimes less and sometimes a little more. But it's hurting, and I have been in contact with my doctor all the time. He's trying to keep me motivated to keep playing, but I know what is my limit playing on court," he said after stopping mid-match in Dubai.

The 2009 US Open champion had surgery on his right wrist in 2010 and does not know if a similar procedure will be required for this problem.

"I cannot say that  yet — but I'm feeling similar pains to the other hand and what I felt four years ago," he said. "But I will do whatever the doctor says."