In a recent interview with AS.com, David Ferrer spoke about the possibility of Rafael Nadal playing at the 2022 Barcelona Open.David Ferrer, the new tournament director of the Barcelona Open, said he was confident Rafael Nadal could recover from his rib injury in time to defend his title at the ATP 500 event.“I am calm, really. I think Rafa has time to recover before the gravel tour," said Ferrer.David Ferrer with Rafael Nadal at the ATP World Tour FinalsNadal suffered from chest pain during his final clash against Taylor Fritz at Indian Wells. Later, his medical tests in Spain revealed that the Spaniard suffered a crack in his third rib. After a medical examination, the 35-year-old announced on Twitter that he would be out of action for at least 4-6 weeks.Juan Morales 🌳🌄@juandmorRafael Nadal ended with heavy chest pain after Indian Wells final match.#NadalThe same day that Colbrelli collapses with cardiac arrest at the Catalunya Tour.Are we gonna keep pretending this is normal?09:57 AM · Mar 22, 20222359011380Rafael Nadal ended with heavy chest pain after Indian Wells final match.#NadalThe same day that Colbrelli collapses with cardiac arrest at the Catalunya Tour.Are we gonna keep pretending this is normal? https://t.co/Ji90F65M6XRafa Nadal@RafaelNadalAl final resulta que tengo una fisura por estrés en una de las costillas y estaré entre 4 y 6 semanas de baja. No son buenas noticias y no me esperaba esto. Estoy hundido y triste porque tras el inicio de temporada que he tenido tan buena.7:46 PM · Mar 22, 2022268191926Al final resulta que tengo una fisura por estrés en una de las costillas y estaré entre 4 y 6 semanas de baja. No son buenas noticias y no me esperaba esto. Estoy hundido y triste porque tras el inicio de temporada que he tenido tan buena.This rules Nadal out of the Monte Carlo Masters, which begins on April 11 and also casts doubt over his participation at the Barcelona Open, which kicks off on April 18.Sportskeeda Tennis@SK__TennisNot a good news for Rafael Nadal after a great start to 2022 🙁The 21-time Grand Slam champion may have to miss Monte-Carlo Masters.We wish Rafael Nadal a speedy recovery #RafaelNadal #Tennis #Injury7:16 PM · Mar 22, 20222Not a good news for Rafael Nadal after a great start to 2022 🙁The 21-time Grand Slam champion may have to miss Monte-Carlo Masters.We wish Rafael Nadal a speedy recovery 💪#RafaelNadal #Tennis #Injury https://t.co/UFW42d5WNuIn the same interview, Ferrer also spoke about Carlos Alcaraz's prospects at the Barcelona Open. The former World No. 3 lauded Alcaraz for his performances at the Australian Open and Rio Open and stated that the Spaniard is one of the favorites to win in Barcelona.Tennis TV@TennisTVWhat. A. Moment.@alcarazcarlos03 is your 2022 Rio Open champ!03:42 AM · Feb 21, 20223195501What. A. Moment.🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌@alcarazcarlos03 is your 2022 Rio Open champ! https://t.co/gGCBBv7niE“He has options to win. Already in Australia, he was among the best, he won a 500... Winning a tournament in this category won't come to him again," added the former Spanish player.Rafael Nadal has won the Barcelona Open title 12 timesRafael Nadal with the 2021 Barcelona Open titleNadal has lifted the Barcelona Open title on a record 12 occasions in 16 appearances at the tournament. He has a 66-4 win-loss record at the ATP 500 event. He also enjoyed a 41-match winning streak at the tournament from 2005 to 2014, which was brought to a halt by Nicolas Almagro.Sports Freak@OfficialSfreak2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 ?Can Rafael Nadal defend his Barcelona open this time ?#BCNOpenBS #Tennis11:00 PM · Mar 2, 202232005 🏆 2006 🏆 2007 🏆 2008 🏆 2009 🏆 2011 🏆 2012 🏆 2013 🏆 2016 🏆 2017 🏆 2018 🏆2021 🏆2022 ?Can Rafael Nadal defend his Barcelona open this time ?#BCNOpenBS #Tennis https://t.co/jse0Uob7TwLast year, the Spaniard defeated the likes of Kei Nishikori, Cameron Norrie, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to the title.Although Nadal's chances of playing at the Barcelona Open look slim following his rib injury, his name is still there on the entry list.Entry List Updates@EntryListsMonte Carlo update:OUT: NadalIN: PaireNext: Griekspoor10:49 AM · Mar 24, 202223036Monte Carlo update:OUT: NadalIN: PaireNext: GriekspoorHowever, given that Nadal just withdrew from Monte-Carlo, the Spaniard may opt out of Barcelona as well to give himself time to fully recover before the French Open. He could return at Madrid or the Rome Masters.