Rufete sidelined for Ajax trip

RCD Espanyol's attacking midfielder Francisco Rufete will miss Thursday's UEFA Cup match at AFC Ajax after sustaining a calf injury.

Casualty list
Rufete sat out training on Tuesday and, along with defender César Peixoto who has a swollen knee, will not be fit in time for the trip to the Netherlands. The 30-year-old is in his first season with Espanyol following a summer move from Valencia CF. Eduardo Costa also skipped training due to a stomach bug, though the midfielder is expected to recover before the Group F clash.

Unbeaten run
Espanyol are two points above Ajax at the top of the group and, in the absence of Rufete, will be hoping Walter Pandiani continues his rich goalscoring form. The Uruguayan hit a 93rd-minute equaliser at Real Betis Balompié on Sunday and has managed five UEFA Cup goals this term. Espanyol remain unbeaten in eleven UEFA Cup and Primera División outings.