Sevilla duo set against Villareal

Sevilla duo set against Villareal

Sevilla look set to welcome back striker Fredi Kanoute and midfielder Adriano as they seek a second successive win in La Liga against Villarreal.

Kanoute has been struggling with a calf problem, while the Brazilian has been absent since suffering a thigh injury in the Champions League win away to Stuttgart on October 20.

Acosta has also resumed full training but Manuel Jimenez's side will be without midfielder Aldo Duscher, who tore a muscle in his right leg in Wednesday's return clash with the Germans.

Arouna Kone, who suffered damage to his ribs in the same game, and Ivica Dragutinovic, who has a muscle injury, are also doubtful as the Yellow Submarine arrive at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Last week's 2-0 success against Xerez saw Sevilla return to the form which had seen them pick up five successive league wins prior to taking just one point from two matches against Deportivo La Coruna and Espanyol.

But they squandered a lead to draw with Stuttgart and defender Julien Escude admits they face another difficult test against Ernesto Valverde's men.

"(Villarreal) have had two very good results, they are scoring goals and now they are at their level," Escude told Marca.

"Their season started badly, but now they have such confidence that the game will be very difficult and complicated.

"What happened on Wednesday (losing the lead) should be kept in mind for the remaining games. With that in mind, now we have to change the chip - it is another competition and we must go for the three points."

Villarreal ended their dismal start with back-to-back league wins over promoted sides Xerez and Tenerife.

While the 2-1 win over the former was somewhat fortuitous, they have since kicked on, slamming five goals past Tenerife and taking that form into Thursday's 4-1 Europa League win over Italian side Lazio.

Those results have eased the pressure that was already mounting on coach Ernesto Valverde - in charge only since early July - and he has targeted a repeat performance this weekend.

Valverde said: "We're going to Seville to try and win and we will put everything into it.

"Sevilla are powerful and quick and will be a good test for us. They have a dangerous attack and that is where we must be very careful."

Valverde is dealing with a number of injuries, with Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla undergoing specialist treatment on a herniated disc in his back.

Joseba Llorente and Diego Lopez were withdrawn against Lazio with ankle and groin injuries respectively, while Marcos Senna and Ariel Ibagaza missed that match and are again doubtful.

Jonathan Perreira, Giuseppe Rossi and David Fuster are in contention to deputise, and Valverde continued: "We cannot complain because we approach the game as best as possible."