David Nalbandian faces missing the rest of the ATP season if he undergoes surgery on his troublesome hip injury.

The Argentinian is playing under the effects of painkillers and has dropped down to 19th in the rankings.

The injury forced Nalbandian to retire from the Barcelona Open last month after defeating Nicolas Almagro in the third round, giving Rafael Nadal a bye into the semi-finals.

"We are trying to avoid surgery," the 27-year-old told TyC Sports cable channel.

"The area still hurts. I will wait until Friday to decide to have an operation.

"Surgery was always my plan B, but it hurts more and more day after day. I cannot play this way for much longer because I am not comfortable. If I don't improve, I will have no other choice.

"The pains are more severe when I play. If the match is difficult, it hurts a lot then. If I win a match, I am quite worse in the following round."

He added: "It would be a similar operation to Gustavo Kuerten's but less serious.

"It is a terrible feeling. I cannot play a grand slam if I limp after each match.

"Sooner or later I will have to undergo the surgery."