Sergio Ramos is confident Real Madrid have the strength in depth to cope with the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

World-record signing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has struck 12 goals in 11 appearances this season, is suspended following his sending-off against Almeria last weekend while Kaka is sidelined through injury, meaning Madrid must do without around £140million worth of talent for the game.

Ramos admits it is a blow to lose both players for the match, but believes his side can cope.

"Cristiano and Kaka are unique players who make a difference to the team, but they cannot be there with us," he said.

"Real Madrid cannot be dependent on any one player. In previous seasons we've been without them and we've been able to win. We have a great squad and whoever goes out onto the pitch I'm sure will do a job."

Madrid make the trip to the Mestalla having won seven of nine matches since their embarrassing 4-0 Copa del Rey defeat to Alcorcon, with their only setbacks being a 1-1 draw away to AC Milan in the Champions League and a 1-0 loss to Barcelona in La Liga.

Despite that decent form though, Manuel Pellegrini's side could find themselves eight points adrift of leaders Barca if results go against them tomorrow, albeit with a game in hand over Pep Guardiola's side.

That means Madrid can ill afford a bad performance at the Mestalla against a Valencia side that are only three points behind them in third spot.

Pellegrini said: "We will not settle for a draw. We are going to go there looking for the win from the first minute."

The Madrid coach is also without the injured Ruud van Nistelrooy, Guti and Christoph Metzelder for the game, but midfielder Xabi Alonso is fit to play.

Madrid are not the only side who cannot field a full-strength team tomorrow though, as Valencia will be without Spain international David Silva, who will not play again until 2010 due to injury.

Los Che will be able to call on La Liga's leading scorer though, with David Villa taking his tally to 11 for the season with a goal in last weekend's 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao.

This weekend Villa is set to come up against former team-mate Raul Albiol, who swapped Valencia for Madrid in the summer, and the prolific hitman is hoping to give his Spain companion the runaround.

"I'm happy to see Albiol back at the Mestalla. On the pitch I will try to make things difficult for him," said Villa, who was also closely linked with a move to the Bernabeu during pre-season.

Regarding Valencia's fine start to the season, which has seen Unai Emery's side lose just one of their 22 competitive matches, Villa added: "We've had good results, the team is well and the fans are enthusiastic. We hope that the supporters will be able to enjoy a victory.

"We are eager to pick up three very important points against a direct rival."