Valencia 0 - 0 Internazionale

Valencia v Inter Milan: Preview

Updated: March 5, 2007, 5:38 AM ET

VALENCIA, March 5 (Champions League) - Internazionale striker Adriano is a major injury worry on the eve of the Champions League last-16 return leg against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.

Adriano is fighting against the clock to recover from a muscle problem but has travelled to Spain in the hope of being passed fit for the meeting, which is finely poised after the first encounter ended 2-2 at the San Siro a fortnight ago.

The Brazilian did not feature in Saturday's 2-1 triumph at Livorno, a result that saw the Nerazzurri return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Udinese.

With 11 games remaining, Roberto Mancini's men have a 16-point cushion over second-placed Roma in Serie A ahead of next weekend's city derby against AC Milan.

But all Nerazzurri eyes will be centred on the midweek European encounter, as Inter attempt to qualify for the quarter-final stages for the third successive campaign.

"We are having an exceptional Serie A tournament,'' said Inter owner Massimo Moratti.

"The fact that we took a further two-point advantage over Roma is an important result because it allows us to focus on our other competitions with more serenity.

"That is why it would be a pity to be eliminated from the Champions League, we have all the ingredients to do well.''

Moratti has reason to be cautious ahead of the Italians' return to Spain, with last year's surprise quarter-final elimination from Europe's elite competition at the hands of underdogs Villarreal still raw.

"We know it's going to be a very hard game in Valencia,'' said Mancini. "We know this tie is one of the most difficult of all the games in the Champions League.

"But I am convinced we can win in Spain.''

Valencia go into the encounter in confident fashion after Saturday's 1-0 triumph against Celta Vigo revived their Primera Liga title hopes.

The win, courtesy of Fernando Morientes' goal, lifted Valencia to third in the standings, four points behind league leaders Sevilla.

The Spaniards will fancy their chances with coach Quique Sanchez Flores having recovered pivotal midfield duo Ruben Baraja and Vincente for the encounter.

Both players returned to play this weekend having brushed aside their respective injuries which saw them miss the opening leg.

Baraja's return is a blessing as captain David Albelda serves a one-match ban on Tuesday.

"We are in a better position,'' said Vicente. "We are favourites because in Milan we were the better team. They are strong but we will have no fear.

"I just hope Adriano doesn't play, it's better not to have to face Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano together.''

Mancini is likely to leave Adriano on the bench and play instead with Hernan Crespo alongside in-form Ibrahimovic, while Valencia will have Morientes and David Villa up front.

The Nerazzurri will be without injured midfield duo Patrick Vieira and Esteban Cambiasso.