Injured Totti misses United showdown

ROME, Italy -- Roma captain Francesco Totti has been ruled out of Tuesday's first leg Champions League quarterfinal clash against Manchester United at the Olympic Stadium.

The talismanic striker, who scored the equaliser with a stunning free-kick in Saturday's 1-1 Serie A draw at Cagliari, suffered a thigh injury during the game and has not recovered in time.

"At the end of Saturday's match Francesco Totti complained of pain in his left thigh," read a brief statement on the Roma official website.

"He subsequently underwent tests which highlighted a muscle injury. He must undergo a period of rest while the situation is monitored in the next few days."

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti was forced to play Totti at Cagliari despite the striker struggling with a right knee injury as midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta and forward Mirko Vucinic were all serving one-match bans.

Totti, who is the Giallorossi's top scorer with 14 goals this season, is optimistic of being fit for the second leg at Old Trafford.

"He's disappointed not to be playing on Tuesday but he is determined to try to be ready for the return leg," said Totti's personal trainer Vito Scala.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Obviously Totti is an inspirational figure in the Roma side but I'm sure that the experience of coach Luciano Spalletti and the rest of the players will overcome his loss."

Ferguson is sweating on the fitness of Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra for the game, although Darren Fletcher and Louis Saha and Nani are all definitely ruled out. E-mail to a friend