The Belgian star announced the news yesterday that the ankle injury that has kept her sidelined since March will prevent her from returning to action before the French Open.

"I have been able to pick up a tennis racket in my hands for the first time in five weeks," said Clijsters.

"We are taking it day by day. I will not in any case play any tournament in May. We will focus on being ready for Roland Garros. I can only say that we hope everything goes well and that I have trained sufficiently to be in Paris."

Current world number one Caroline Wozniacki is the top seed at the Italian Open followed by French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.

Both Venus and Serena Williams are also out of the tournament while they recover from their recent injury and health troubles.