Sevilla keeper misses Spurs return

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SEVILLE, Spain -- Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop will not be fit to face Tottenham in their UEFA Cup quarterfinal second leg on Thursday, the Spanish club have said.

Palop aggrevated a left calf strain during last Thursday's 2-1 first leg victory and his absence will be a big blow for coach Juande Ramos.

The keeper has been one of the inspirations behind Sevilla's stunning season that has left them as the only Spanish side still contesting three titles.

In addition to still being in the UEFA Cup, Sevilla are second in La Liga and have reached the Spanish Cup semifinals.

Palop saved his side in the last round of Europe with a headed goal in the dying second of normal time at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, which forced extra-time in which Sevilla grabbed a winner.

He will be replaced by former Real Madrid reserve David Cobeno.

Ramos will also be without his Uruguayan backup striker Ernesto Chevanton, who has a right thigh strain suffered in the 0-0 draw with Racing Santander on Sunday.

However, Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano will return to the squad after being banned for the first leg.

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