Sanchez Vicario told The Associated Press that he would prefer it if the top-ranked player didn't travel to Argentina to give courtside support because of the distraction it could cause.
"No (because) I think he's too big media wise. When he wants to be there, he wants to be there to compete,'' Sanchez Vicario said Wednesday. "He's always center and he's a leader, so I will miss him there, but obviously we have great players ... they have enough personality to take this team and help it forget about Rafa.''
Sanchez Vicario believes that Nadal's absence could see Argentina buckle under the weight of being the favorite in the Nov. 21-23 final at Mar del Plata.
"Obviously now (Argentina) will feel that with the players they are to play that they have to win, so they are going to have a lot more pressure than with Rafa who is No. 1, because if they beat him at home they are national heroes,'' he said. "I hope we can take advantage.''
Argentina captain Alberto Mancini has called Nadal's absence "good news.''
"If he feels like that, I respect his opinion. It's normal when the No. 1 in the world doesn't come, it's normal for them to say that,'' Sanchez Vicario said. "I think they are the favorites in all of the fields.''
Argentina, going for its first title in its third attempt, has selected Juan Martin del Potro, David Nalbandian, Jose Acasuso and Agustin Calleri for the best-of-five series on a hard indoor court at the Islas Malvinas stadium.
Sanchez Vicario picked 56th-ranked Marcel Granollers to replace Nadal when the French Open and Wimbledon champion withdrew after failing to recover from a knee injury.
Sanchez Vicario said that Granollers could play doubles, which means either Fernando Verdasco or Feliciano Lopez is likely to join David Ferrer in singles.
"We don't have obstacles, I think we have a great opportunity, all of us, and that is what I will try to put in the minds of my players,'' he said. "Obviously, the Argentinian players are the most difficult part, because they are the ones who are really good on this surface and they will play with their public.
"That will be the only obstacle - their players.''
Sanchez Vicario said Santiago Ventura, ranked 122nd, will travel as the first substitute when the team leaves on Thursday.
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