SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Patience will have to be a virtue for Rafa Nadal when the former world number one makes his return to tennis after a seven-month injury absence at next week's Chilean Open.

The 26-year-old Spanish left-hander has been out of action with a knee problem since losing to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June.

Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris May 31, 2012. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

"Hopefully I'll show an acceptable level. I have to go step by step," said Nadal who has not played in an ATP tournament in South America since 2005.

"Things won't be the same as last year when I was okay. I'll have to be patient," he told a news conference at the coastal city of Vina del March

"I have to start from a modest position. I need to gain competition rhythm as soon as possible and I hope this tournament helps me get there.

"I'll do all I can to go as far as possible but the outcome at this tournament is the least important thing. I came here to compete because I've been off the court for a very long time."

French Open champion Nadal has slipped to fifth in the rankings but he said that trying to regain the number one position was the last thing on his mind.

"After seven months out I'm not in a position to think about that," said the 11-times grand slam singles winner. "I'll try to play better week after week."

Nadal's planned return at the end of last year was delayed due to illness and he is scheduled to play on his favourite clay surface at three Latin American events this month.

After the Chile tournament he will compete at the Brazil Open in Sao Paulo the following week and the Mexico Open in Acapulco from February 25.

Nadal returns on Tuesday in the doubles alongside Argentine Juan Monaco. A day later he will play a second-round singles tie against Argentine Guido Pella or a qualifier.

"The time of recuperation has been good and it's good to come back on clay. I'm happy to be here and my idea is to enjoy the week and see what happens," said Nadal.

(Reporting by Javier Leira, writing by Rex Gowar, editing by Tony Jimenez)

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