SEVILLE, Spain (AFP) - Sevilla medical staff hope that the club's star striker Fredi Kanoute can survive until the end of the season without an operation on his persistent groin problem, the club said here on Wednesday.

Kanoute, the Spanish first division's leading scorer with 19 goals, has struggled to find his top form in recent games and has been rested where possible in a bid to ease or help cure the mild strain.

"After studying all the parameters of this case, we've concluded that the treatment Kanoute is currently undergoing will permit him to finish the season without having to be operated upon," said Sevilla club doctor Adolfo Munoz.

Munoz did not comment on whether he believes the French-born Malian international will have to undergo surgery in the summer.

Kanoute's groin problems have been compounded by the fact that Sevilla are still contesting three titles and they need his prowess in front of goal.

Sevilla are currently second in the Spanish first division, two points behind leaders Barcelona.

They have also reached the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup and face English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur in a UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg tie on Thursday.