AFP, Lille :
Roger Federer is set to play for Switzerland in the Davis Cup final against France in Lille on Friday despite a back injury that laid him low.
There had been concerns in the Swiss camp that he would be unable to compete after injuring his back playing in London last weekend.
But the draw announced Thursday afternoon sees him go up against Gael Monfils in the second of the opening two singles rubbers.
French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga plays Stan Wawrinka in the opening match.
The doubles on Saturday opposes Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet of France against the Swiss pairing of Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer.
Sunday’s reverse singles will start with Tsonga against Federer to be followed by Monfils versus Wawrinka.
Federer injured his back playing Wawrinka in the last four at the ATP World Tour finals in London on Saturday evening and he was unable to contest the final the following day against Novak Djokovic.
He was unable to train at the indoor claycourt in Lille which is hosting this year’s final on Monday and Tuesday.
But he had a short practice session on Wednesday evening and did so again on Thursday morning just before the draw was made.
There is still a possibility that Federer would not play as the Davis Cup rules stipulate that an injured player can be replaced up to one hour before his match begins as long as a doctor confirms the injury.
But having looked at ease and in no pain during Thursday morning’s practice session all the signs are that he will play his 45th singles tie for his country in the Davis Cup.
