Kanoute unlikely to be risked against Stuttgart

MADRID (Reuters) - Injured Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute is unlikely to be risked against visiting VfB Stuttgart in Wednesday's Champions League Group G match, coach Manolo Jimenez said on Tuesday.

The Mali international has been out since October 22 with a calf problem and Jimenez said the La Liga club had plenty of alternatives as they seek a fourth win out of four and reach the knockout round.

"The one with most difficulties is Kanoute, even though we know that if we told him to play he would," Jimenez said at a news conference.

"But that's no good because ... if he pushes it he could be out for a month," he added. "We have some good players who can play in his position."

Sevilla have won nine of the 11 games they have contested in Europe's top club competition, including the last four. They have also won their last 11 European home games and have not conceded a goal at home in five matches against German teams.