Germany coach Barbara Rittner has recalled world No.11 Andrea Petkovic to face Australia in this month’s Fed Cup World Group play-off.

Petkovic, the highest-ranked German, returns after more than three months out with a lower back injury.

She will play alongside Angelique Kerber, Julia Goerges and doubles specialist Anna-Lena Groenefeld, with Wimbledon semi-finalist Sabine Lisicki rested.

Rittner said she was “surprised how fit Andrea is already.”

Rittner decided not to risk Lisicki for the April 21-22 match in Stuttgart after the world No.13 was told to take a two-week break to rest her sprained ankle.

Germany must beat Australia to stay in the World Group after losing to the Czech Republic in the first round in February.

The Australian team named earlier this week is headlined by world No.5 Samantha Stosur.

She will be joined by teenager Olivia Rogowska, Jarmila Gajdosova and Casey Dellacqua.