Schuster opted to omit the Brazil international from his 18-man squad for the trip to Galicia as he felt the 24-year-old was not in the right frame of mind to play due to the situation surrounding his future.

Madrid are eager to keep the mercurial forward but Robinho himself is keen to leave and join Chelsea, insisting on Friday night that negotiations with the Barclays Premier League club were ongoing.

One way or another, the situation is set to be resolved over the next few days with the transfer window closing on Monday, but Madrid do not appear to be wavering in their hope that Robinho, who still has two years remaining on his contract with the Primera Liga champions, will continue in the Spanish capital.

Speaking at today's pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Depor, Schuster said: "I want him to stay. I've always said so and I stand by what I say. He is important for us."

Schuster insisted the decision to leave Robinho out of his travelling party was down to him, even though last Saturday he included the Brazilian in his squad for the Supercopa second leg against Valencia - a move that came just 24 hours after the player had declared he wanted to join Chelsea.

Robinho was ultimately left on the bench against Valencia, but Schuster this weekend opted to omit him completely.

"It's been my decision. The club has never given their opinion, they've always left it to me to make the decision," said Schuster.

"You need to know in what condition a player will arrive and there's been a lot of pressure on him and he isn't in the optimum condition to play. He's got too many concerns going on in his head.

"We realised this during the Spanish Supercopa. We wanted to win the title, so we decided it was better to use players who at that time were more focused. Until the matter is resolved definitely he will not be in perfect condition to play."

Although Robinho will not be involved against Depor, Schuster did not discount the former Santos man from playing for Madrid when they host Numancia at the Bernabeu following the international break.

When asked if Robinho might be the player to score Madrid's 5,000th league goal at the Bernabeu - the club are currently on 4,998 - Schuster said: "It's possible. I would like him to.

"He could score our 5,000th goal at the Bernabeu if we win 1-0 tomorrow. It could happen. I know what's best for him, just like a father knows what's best for his son. He will eventually realise we are right."

Schuster also dismissed any suggestion that Robinho had refused to travel to La Coruna with his team-mates.

"No. I repeat that the decision was mine. I want him to sort out his situation. We'll see what we do when he returns from playing with Brazil," said Schuster.

(reopens)

The transfer saga could take another twist after it emerged Robinho will hold a press conference in Madrid tomorrow.

It is expected he will again outline his desire to join Chelsea.