World number two Rafael Nadal says he will make his first Davis Cup appearance of 2008 for Spain when they take on Germany this April in Bremen for a place in the semi-finals.

The three-times French Open winner is competing this week in the doubles at the ATP tournament in Rotterdam as part of his preparations for the quarter-final clash with Germany.

"Right now I'm with Tommy Robredo and at Indian Wells I'll go with David Ferrer to prepare for the Olympic Games and the next Davis Cup tie against Germany," Nadal was reported as saying by German sports agency SID.

Nadal didn't take part in Spain's 5-0 defeat of Peru earlier this month, while Germany beat South Korea 3-2 to book their last eight place.

A clay-court specialist, Nadal will need some experience on hard court which is what he can expect in Bremen, says German captain Patrik Kuehnen.

"In Bremen we had a good experience last year and that is why we have decided to play Spain there," said Kuehnen.

In February 2007, his team defeated Croatia in the first round while Germany beat South Korea in Brunswick this year.

It still remains to be seen whether Germany's number one Tommy Haas will play for his country after just returning from shoulder surgery.

AFP