World number three Maria Sharapova is set to play her first competitive tennis since Wimbledon next week after being handed a wildcard entry for the Wuhan Open.

Sharapova has battled a leg injury since making the semi-finals at the All-England Club and subsequently missed the US Open, withdrawing on the eve of the tournament.

Having won the China Open in Beijing last year, the Russian is hoping for more success on Chinese soil next week.

"I'm looking forward to getting back onto the match court in Wuhan," Sharapova said. 

"I have been working hard to get myself ready to compete again, and I can't wait to get back out there.

"I really enjoyed my visit to Wuhan last year."