Rafael Nadal's return to competitive action has been put back because of a stomach bug.

The Spaniard, who last played at Wimbledon in June, was scheduled to play in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi on Thursday after missing seven months because of tendinitis in his left knee.

However, he said on his Facebook page today that doctors ordered him to pull out as he needed to rest after suffering a fever.

"My rehab has gone well, my knee feels good and I was looking forward to competing," he said.

World numbers one and three Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are due to compete in the United Arab Emirates.