AS.com

The Valencia forward Roberto Soldado didn't participate in today's training session on the eve of the first leg of his team's Copa del Rey quarter final against Real Madrid, although in principal his presence for that shouldn't be in danger. In fact, the player was named on a list of 19 to be used, announced by coach Ernesto Valverde after training. The ex-Madrid player Fernando Gago was also on the squad sheet; he returns after a month on the sidelines due to muscular problems.

The Spanish international worked together with club physios owing to a knock he took to his ankle in Saturday's Liga match against Sevilla, in which he scored his team's two goals. The striker's absence was more a precaution than anything else, as is evidenced by his inclusion on the coach's list, and nothing is expected to prevent him facing his former team. The complete list of players, from which Valverde will leave one out is: Diego Alves, Guaita, Joao Pereira, Barragán, Víctor Ruiz, Ricardo Costa, Rami, Cissokho, Tino Costa, Gago, Éver Banega, Parejo, Guardado, Viera, Piatti, Bernat, Jonas, Valdez and Soldado.

The only absentees here are the injured players David Albelda and Jeremy Mathieu, and Sergio Canales, who despite receiving the medical staff's approval to play last week isn't in his boss's plans for this demanding encounter. Meanwhile Sophiane Feghouli is with Algeria ahead of their African Cup of Nations commitments.