Totti ruled out of Champions League battle with United
Francesco Totti should be fully fit for the return leg at Old Trafford on April 9th
Monday, 31, Mar 2008 01:48
Roma skipper Francesco Totti has been ruled out of tomorrow night's clash with Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Totti suffered a thigh injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cagliari, a result which keeps Roma four points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
He had earlier scored Roma's equaliser - his 14th goal of the season - as he continued his devastating form playing in midfield.
At the weekend, a club statement said a last-minute decision would be made on whether the 31-year-old can play in the first leg at the Stadio Olympico.
"At the end of yesterday's encounter, Francesco Totti complained of a pain in the flexor of his left thigh," the statement read.
"In the morning of Sunday March 30th he was subjected to tests that highlighted a muscular injury in the cavity of the left thigh flexor.
"The player will have to have a period of rest and the situation will be monitored over the next few days."
However, it has now been confirmed Totti has lost his battle for fitness and will not be in the squad for the first leg.
He hopes to return in time for the second leg at Old Trafford in a week's time, but will be replaced by Mirko Vucinic for tomorrow's clash.
United's only injury concern is goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who missed the 4-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend after aggravating a groin injury.
Tomasz Kuszczak, who played against Villa, is expected to deputise for the Dutchman against Roma.
United lost 2-1 to Roma away in the last eight of the Champions League last season, before thumping Luciano Spaletti's side 7-1 in the return leg.