Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu has insisted that his side will not be affected by the lack of competitive action since early December when they take on Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian side will host the German champions in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Donbass Arena.
"We have got used to playing European games in February against teams who are in better shape than us because they have been playing competitive games in the winter while we haven't," he told reporters. "We plan our preparations to compensate for that.
"Of course, you cannot compare friendly games in the United Arab Emirates and Spain with Bundesliga matches, but we have tried to reach the same fitness level as Dortmund. Wednesday's game will show how well we have managed.
"Dortmund won the last two German titles and comfortably finished top of their UEFA Champions League group in the autumn. That means they have at least two top-class players in every position, and let's not forget how important motivation and attitude really are on this stage."
Shakhtar have won six of their seven friendly matches during the winter break.
Subhankar Mondal
