Juan Martin Del Potro hopes to return from injury this month

Juan Martin Del Potro expects to make his comeback from wrist surgery later this month.

The former world No 4 withdrew from the Australian Open due to fresh concerns over the injury but is now ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.

Del Potro is even considering an entry in the doubles at next week’s Indian Wells tournament but believes a return in Miami the following week is a more realistic target.

"I'm not going drop my arms or surrender because of an injury. If my hand responds well, I'll come back as soon as possible but that depends exclusively on my hand. It will decide my return," said Del Potro.

"I'm in full recovery, I'm going faster than the time-frame the doctor set for me as a goal and that has me enthused, and that's why I believe my return will be very soon.”

I'm in full recovery, I'm going faster than the time-frame the doctor set for me as a goal and that has me enthused, and that's why I believe my return will be very soon.

He could test his fitness at Indian Wells with doubles partner Marin Cilic, who is also recovering from an arm injury that is likely to rule him out of this week’s Davis Cup matches.

The US Open champion is yet to play this season and Croatian coach Zeljko Krajan is resigned to losing him for the World Group first round match with Serbia.

"We were hoping for a miracle but we will have to do without him," said Krajan.