Injury plays Devils8217; advocate

As Roma will be without injured captain Francesco Totti when they take on Manchester United in Tuesday8217;s Champions...

As Roma will be without injured captain Francesco Totti when they take on Manchester United in Tuesday8217;s Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Serie A club said on Sunday that the striker needs rest because of a thigh muscle injury he felt after Saturday8217;s 1-1 draw at Cagliari, when he scored his side8217;s equaliser.

The loss of Roma8217;s main creative force and their top-scorer in Serie A this term with 14 goals is a big blow to Italy8217;s sole Champions League survivor. The hosts are also without suspended Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta, while Brazilian defender Juan is a doubt because of a foot problem.

United, the Premier League leaders, are in fine fettle after thrashing Aston Villa 4-0 on Saturday with Cristiano Ronaldo inspirational again and scorer of a delightful back-heeled goal. Wayne Rooney also scored twice to end a six-game run without a goal, leading manager Alex Ferguson to declare that his side have 8220;reached a peak8221; and stir fears among Roma fans of a repetition of the 7-1 drubbing they suffered at Old Trafford at this stage last season having won the first leg 2-1.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, however, believes his side will show they have come a long way since that debacle.

8220;Games like this one against Manchester bring out the best in us,8221; he told reporters. 8220;We need to be careful and try not to concede but in order to do it we have to be strong and have total faith. We need to do everything and more.8221;

Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs came off with knocks against Villa, although Ferguson said he was hopeful they would be fit for Tuesday. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is a bigger worry after missing Saturday8217;s game with a groin problem.

Schalke hopeful

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Schalke 04 have reached the Champions League quarter-finals by the skin of their teeth but after Barcelona8217;s 8216;shameful8217; weekend defeat they will feel anything is possible when they host the Catalans on Tuesday.

Ronaldinho is unlikely to take part because of leg muscle pain, while Deco, Rafael Marquez and Lionel Messi are all out injured. Rijkaard may be tempted to recall Silvinho on the left side of defence after yet another shoddy display at the back, while Argentine centre-back Gabriel Milito could return after missing out on the Betis defeat.