Andy Murray has expressed his excitement about returning to action following a long injury layoff.

The Wimbledon champion has been on the sidelines since September having undergone surgery on a persistent back problem that has been troubling the world number four for the past 18 months.

"I've been training and having rehab every day and will continue to do so right up until just before Christmas when I fly to Abu Dhabi," Murray told reporters.

"Getting back to playing competitively is the next step in my preparations for the new season, which starts for me at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

"Coming back from injury is never easy and the line-up this year is so strong but it's exactly the test I need to see where my game is at. I'm looking forward to being part of what is always a great tournament."

Murray will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Boxing Day in his first match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship next week.