Former world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne will return to action in an exhibition match this weekend after being out for three months with exhaustion.

The Belgian will face Nathalie Dechy in Charleroi on Saturday after recovering from the lingering effects of a virus which has kept her out since her fourth round US Open defeat in September.

"Justine's richer and more promising tennis will be tested at the Women's Tennis Trophy," a statement on her personal website said.

"Justine is fully aware of the fact that it will still take a while before she will be back on the physical level she was before the virus."

The Australian Open champion will then gear up for the defence of her title when she returns to full competitive action in the Sydney International tournament next month.