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Champions League: Injury concerns for Roma, United ahead of big clash

FC Barcelona's Thierry Henry reacts during their Spanish soccer league match against Betis at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium in Seville, Spain, on Saturday. PHOTO: AP

AS Roma and Manchester United could be handicapped by important injuries when the pair meet in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg at Rome's Stadio Olimpico today.

Roma's captain and talisman Francesco Totti is almost certainly out of the match after he picked up a thigh injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Cagliari.

But United could have five players on the sidelines after suffering several problems in their 4-0 drubbing of Aston Villa at the weekend.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson substituted Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra in the second half and afterwards revealed that Ryan Giggs had also suffered an injury.

"They all had injuries and then Ryan Giggs got injured towards the end and that was a bit of a problem," Ferguson said.

"The pitch, with the rain coming down all night, was starting to prove very heavy. It was a problem with hamstrings. Hopefully they are going to be alright," he said.

Ferguson also admitted he was unsure if his first-choice goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, who missed Saturday's match, would be fit enough to play in Rome.

AS Roma forward Francesco Totti reacts after being tackled during their Italian Serie A soccer match against Cagliari in Cagliari, Spain, on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

"Edwin may be a doubt," the Scot said. "He has a problem with his groin again. We didn't risk him in this match which is a good thing so that gives us a better chance."

The two sides met twice last season at the same stage, with Roma winning 2-1 in Italy before suffering a humiliating 7-1 thrashing in Manchester, and have already played twice in this season's group stage, United winning 1-0 at home before the teams drew 1-1 in Rome.

"Roma have improved this season but we have played them twice already and we know exactly what to expect," Ferguson said. "It won't be easy but the form we are in now, we are looking forward to it."

United have hit stunning form at just the right time, beating Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford a week before their Villa display.

That is ominous news for Roma, who have not forgotten their Old Trafford lesson from a year ago.

"These are special games which bring something extra out of the players," Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said.

"Unfortunately we will not be able to see Francesco Totti. The captain has a muscle pull in his left thigh and will be watching the match from the stands. We just hope he'll be fit for the return leg," Spalletti said.

In-form Macedonia striker Mirko Vucinic will lead the attack.
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