Leander Paes, who is undergoing treatment in the United States for a non-malignant brain lesion, will not return to action for the rest of the year, Indian Davis Cup captain Ramesh Krishnan said on Friday.
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India head for next weekend's tough Davis Cup World Group qualifying away tie against the Netherlands without the 30-year-old, who was admitted to hospital in Florida last month after complaining of headaches and dizzy spells.
Although tests allayed initial fears that the lesion could be cancerous, Paes has been told by doctors not to travel.
Krishnan ruled out any possibility of Paes flying to Zwolle to cheer his team mates as some media reports had suggested.
"Leander is definitely sad he can't play," Krishnan said. "He has some more tests scheduled for next week. It will be tough to get back."
Although Paes has concentrated on doubles on the tour in the last few seasons and his singles ranking hovers around 1000, he has repeatedly produced several upsets representing his country in Cup competition.
His illness has further dented the slim hopes of a young India side against a Dutch side led by Sjeng Schalken and Martin Verkerk, both top 15 players.
But Krishnan urged youngsters such as Rohan Bopanna, Harsh Mankad and uncapped Prakash Amritraj to grab the opportunity. Doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi will not play singles.
"Leander takes up three spots. Although it is an uphill task, the youngsters should play freely and give their best."
