"For now, the priority is to remove the pain" - Rafael Nadal's doctor provides an update on the Mallorcan's recovery

Rafael Nadal's physician, Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro, has provided an update on the Spaniard's rib injury. Cotorro revealed that the "priority" right now is to ensure Nadal is pain-free as soon as possible.

Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro is a well-known sports physician who has been Rafael Nadal's long-time personal doctor. In addition to Nadal, the physician has also treated other top tennis players such as Juan Martin del Potro and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.

Nadal, a 21-time Major champion, was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his rib after complaining of chest pain during his Indian Wells final defeat against Taylor Fritz. It is believed that the Mallorcan sustained the injury during his semi-final win over Carlos Alcaraz.

In a conversation with Radiogaceta, Cotorro elaborated on Nadal's recovery process, saying the goal was to help the Spaniard recover sooner than the expected timeframe of 4-6 weeks.

"We're going to adapt the work in function of the pain," Dr. Cotorro said. "For now, the priority is to remove the pain. Once the pain's removed we'll be working as much as we can. With this in mind & the evolution it has, we'll see if we can shorten the time...4-6 weeks is quite logical."

Cotorro diagnosed Nadal's condition earlier this week after the Mallorcan's defeat to Fritz. The doctor said the 21-time Slam champion would likely be out for more tha a month.

"Mr. Rafael Nadal Parera presents, after the pertinent NMR and CT tests, a stress crack in the third left costal arch that occurred in the semifinal match on Saturday in Indian Wells," the doctor said. "The estimated time for his return to sports activity is from four to six weeks."

"This is not good news, and I did not expect this" - Rafael Nadal

After he was diagnosed with a stress fracture, Rafael Nadal issued a statement he expressing his disappointment at the news. He lamented the fact that he was hit by an injury in the midst of his best start to a season.

That said, the Spaniard emphasized that he intends to "work hard" and recover as quickly as possible.

"This is not good news and I did not expect this," Nadal said. "I am devastated and sad because after the start of the season that I have had so good, I reached a very important part of the year with very good sensations and good results. But hey, I've always had that fighting and overcoming spirit and what I will do is be patient and work hard after my recovery. Once again I would like to thank everyone for their support."

Even before his diagnosis, the 35-year-old had pulled out of the Miami Open, which begins on Wednesday. He is now guaranteed to miss the Monte-Carlo Masters (April 10-17) and the Barcelona Open (April 18-24) at the very least.