Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has questioned the timing of their Copa del Rey semi with Barcelona.

Wednesday's first-leg sees Barca enjoying an extra day of recovery from the weekend's round.

"It [the fixture calendar] is curious but we don't make it and we have to go out and play to our best," Solari said.

"I hope that it isn't deliberate.

"Would I prefer Messi to play? In football, it is good for the best players to play every game and won't impact our preparations."