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By Mark Elkington
MADRID, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Robinho's uncertain future has not left the forward downhearted ahead of Real Madrid's Spanish Super Cup match against Valencia this weekend, team mate Gabriel Heinze said on Friday.
Premier League club Chelsea have made a formal bid for the Brazil international, who also has an offer for an improved contract on the table with the Spanish champions.
Robinho's agent had said the player was unsettled at being linked as a makeweight in Real's failed bid to land Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, and is disappointed the club will not negotiate with Chelsea.
Argentina defender Heinze told a news conference: "He's a great footballer and I hope he doesn't go. Everyone defends their interests and the player and the club have to reach an agreement."
When asked about local media reports that Robinho may refuse to travel for Sunday's match, Heinze added: "I don't see him downhearted, he's fine. He's an intelligent lad and I don't think he would do that."
SELECTION PROBLEMS
Robinho came off the bench to earn Real a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday, and will probably compete with Arjen Robben to start at the Mestalla.
Coach Bernd Schuster has a few selection problems with central defender Pepe suspended and midfielder Wesley Sneijder injured. Full back Marcelo and midfielders Fernando Gago and Royston Drenthe are at the Beijing Olympics.
One player sure to feature and make his official debut will be the club's only new signing, Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart who joined from Hamburg SV for about 15 million euros ($22.36 million) two weeks ago.
Real, who have won the traditional curtain-raiser to the season seven times, were crushed 6-3 by Sevilla in last year's edition, but still went on to win a second consecutive league title in May.
They face King's Cup winners Valencia who, after a poor year by their standards, have a young new face at the helm in former Almeria boss Unai Emery.
Valencia will be without injured Spain defender Carlos Marchena but international team mate and striker David Villa, who has yet to commit himself to the club amid constant media speculation, is likely to recover from a muscle problem in time.
The return leg is at the Bernabeu on Aug. 24.
