Valencia striker Roberto Soldado will miss Wednesday’s clash against Real Madrid with a thigh injury.

David Albelda (calf) and Dani Parejo (fractured thumb) are still sidelined, but right-back Joao Pereira is available after serving a one-match ban.

Midfielder Sergio Canales could make his first start for the club since April last year after returning from a long injury lay-off.

Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is set to rotate his squad for the Mestalla clash, with Ricardo Carvalho, Jose Callejon and Karim Benzema all vying for starts.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka returns from suspension but is unlikely to be handed a starting role.

• The Mestalla club’s 5-0 loss to Real Madrid on Sunday was their biggest-ever home defeat in La Liga.

• Should Valencia overturn their first-leg deficit, they will face the winner of the Barcelona-Malaga tie in the semi-final.

• Real Madrid have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.

• Los Merengues have won their last four matches at the Mestalla with an aggregate score of 17-7.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured, right) has scored seven goals in his last four matches for Real.