Champions Russia miss top players

Andreev was world number 24 in April last year

Davis Cup holders Russia are without Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny as they start the defence of their trophy away to Chile on Friday.

Marat Safin does make the trip and will line up in the singles with world number 147 Igor Andreev so Dimitry Tursunov can rest a wrist injury.

The hope is that Tursunov will be fit for the remainder of the tie.

Chile, who include Australian Open finalist Fernando Gonzalez, have won their last 10 home Davis Cup ties.

"Chile will be favourites because they are playing at home and Fernando has just done very well in the Australian Open," said Safin.

"Fernando is a very tough rival and is hard to beat, but it is certainly not an impossible task."

Safin is likely to face Nicolas Massu in Friday's matches.

WORLD GROUP 1st ROUND Chile v Russia France v Romania Germany v Croatia Belgium v Australia Czech Republic v USA Switzerland v Spain Belarus v Sweden Austria v Argentina

World number two Rafael Nadal says he is fully fit to lead Spain's challenge in Geneva as they take on Switzerland.

Nadal, 20, complained of a leg injury after losing to Gonzalez at the Australian Open last month.

But on Tuesday he said: "I'm fine. I'm 100% good and I was practising over the last week in Majorca."

Captain Emilio Sanchez said: "Rafa is a great competitor and will give 100% and make life difficult for the Swiss."

The Spanish team also includes David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez.

Switzerland's hopes were dealt a blow when top seed Stanislas Wawrinka pulled out of the tie with a knee injury.

Wawrinka, the world number 32, tore a ligament in his right knee during the team's final training session and is now expected to be out of action for 12 weeks.

Marco Chiudinelli, Yves Allegro and Davis Cup debutant Stephane Bohli now carry Swiss hopes.

World number one Roger Federer announced last November that he would not take part in the tie.

"For us it's maybe better if Federer is not here," said Nadal. "I know if Federer were here it would be better for the show.

"With Federer it would be worse but without him it's going to be tough too.

"For me one of my goals always is the Davis Cup. For me it's a very special competition, it's one of my favourites."

The United States travel to the Czech Republic with a strong line-up that boasts Andy Roddick, James Blake and the Bryan brothers.

Roddick said: "We know that if we want to win the Davis Cup again that we have to win matches like this on the road and on clay.

"Our guys are ready to show they are up to the challenge."