Rafael Nadal will miss both the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters events because of a wrist injury.

The decision will leave the world No.2 dangerously short of hardcourt matches with the US Open starting on August 25.

Nadal last played on July 1 in the Wimbledon fourth round.

Nadal’s spokesman says the new injury will require two to three weeks of rest, with the Spaniard’s ATP ranking set to suffer after winning both titles a year ago.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I am unable to defend my Rogers Cup title this year,” said Nadal of his Toronto pullout.

“I was looking forward to coming there and playing again in Toronto as I have always loved to play in Canada and had great results in the past at a very important event.

“Unfortunately I injured myself yesterday during practice and after checking with my doctors I will have to stay out of competition for at least 2-3 weeks. I am sorry to the tournament and to all of the fans.”

Doctors discovered what was described as a “small detachment of the posterior sheath of the right ulnar wrist”.

Nadal is due to be treated with “cell immobilisation”, according to his camp.

There are no guarantees that the 28-year-old can play in the US Open, with his condition to be re-assessed in the coming weeks.