MADRID (Olympics) - Rudy Fernandez's rehabilitation from the back operation that brought an early end to his NBA campaign with the Denver Nuggets is almost complete.

Fernandez missed a lot of games with a back strain and eventually opted for surgery in March but has been working out in Madrid.

According to the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), "Rudy is two weeks away from being given the all-clear.

"Excellent news for the Spanish national team, that we'll have Rudy from the start, but it's especially good news for the player …"

Fernandez has tweeted about his workouts this week.

"I'm very tired but starting to feel like a player again!" he said.

Fernandez, a 27-year-old shooting guard, is getting ready to play at the Olympics for the third time in his career.

Against the United States in the gold-mdeal game in Beijing four years ago, he came up with one of the most spectacular plays in Olympic history when he dunked on America's superstar center Dwight Howard in the second half.

The USA won the game, 118-107.

Another player who is looking forward to putting his disappointing end to the NBA season behind him is Pau Gasol.

The Los Angeles Lakers big man came under scrutiny for his lack of scoring in the semi-final series defeat to Oklahoma City.

"I am looking forward to playing in London," Gasol said.

"We have great expectations and I would love to have the chance to compete for the gold medal.

"It is our aim and we will do everything to win."

Spain will play in Group B with Australia, Brazil, China, Great Britain and one of the three teams that comes out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

FIBA