Keothavong said: “I’m pleased to announce the team for the Fed Cup Qualifier against Slovakia. Naturally we are disappointed not to have Johanna Konta and Katie Boulter available for selection, but we have some very exciting young players in our squad who are ecstatic to be part of this team and I’m sure will rise to the big occasion.

"Every Fed Cup tie creates a unique pressure and intensity which I’m sure our players will thrive on and, even though we have a difficult challenge ahead against Slovakia, I have every confidence our squad will do themselves and their country proud. I’m looking forward to getting everyone together next week to start preparations.”

After Johanna Konta announced she would not be taking part in Fed Cup this year to protect her body, Katie Boulter also confirmed she will not be travelling to Bratislava.  The LTA’s medical staff continues to support her during her return to play and recognises that making the change to play on clay for Fed Cup at this time might present some risk of aggravating Katie’s previous injury, especially after so much time off last year.  

Keothavong added: “It goes without saying we will miss Katie after her heroic efforts in last year’s Fed Cup and hope to see her back with the team again soon.”

Great Britain's qualifying tie against Slovakia will take place on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February, hosted on a clay court under a mobile roof at the AXA Arena. The tie will follow a best of five match format (four singles and one doubles), with all matches as best of three tie-break sets. 

The winning nation will join 11 other teams at the new Fed Cup Finals, taking place in Budapest on 14-19 April 2020.