Scans show Nadal on mend from back injury

Rafael Nadal of Spain grimaces as he receives a medical treatment to his back in the men’s singles final against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014. AP

MADRID  — Medical scans have revealed no serious problems as Rafael Nadal continues his recovery from a back injury sustained at the Australian Open.

A statement from the world’s top-ranked player says all checks “were satisfactory and showed positive evolution” regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne.

Nadal is continuing to work out in the gym and his return to the tennis court — starting on Thursday — will decide “when he is ready to return to competition.”

The Spaniard is scheduled to play in Buenos Aires next week. Tournaments in Rio de Janeiro, Indian Wells and Miami follow.

Doctors had prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy to speed his recovery.