Totti ruled out of Valencia game through injury

AS ROMA coach Fabio Capello has been dealt a serious blow ahead of tonight’s must-win Champions League clash at home to Valencia with captain Francesco Totti ruled out of the match with a back injury.

“Totti has a back injury. We hoped he could recover in time, but he is in too much pain,” said Capello at Monday's press conference. The loss of their inspirational skipper, who suffered the injury in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Brescia, is a major disappointment for Capello whose future could depend on the outcome of the match.

The former Real Madrid coach, who guided Roma to the league title in 2002, could be on his way out if Roma lose their third second phase match in succession.

Defeat by the Spaniards would make qualification for the quarter-finals virtually impossible for the capital club.

Capello has other selection headaches with Brazilian duo Emerson and Walter Samuel both suspended and wing-back Vincent Candela still feeling discomfort from a damaged muscle in his right leg.

French midfielder Olivier Dacourt, on loan from Leeds, and former Chievo striker Massimo Marazzina cannot play for the Italians as they are cup-tied.

Greek central defender Traianos Dellas is expected to replace Samuel, while Brazilian Francesco Lima is likely to come in for Emerson in midfield.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan's injured striker Hernan Crespo has expressed his disappointment at not being able to play against Barcelona in tonight’s mouth-watering Champions League clash at the Nou Camp: “It would have been great to play in. Before the draw they asked me which teams I'd like to meet and I said any of those that play in famous stadiums.

“We got Barcelona and I was very excited but unfortunately I'll have to watch the match from the stands.”

Crespo is still nursing the thigh strain he suffered last month and is not expected to be fit for several weeks, but the Argentina international is determined to be fit for the quarter-finals in April should Inter make it through to the last eight.

“I'm working hard on my comeback and perhaps I'll give you a surprise and return sooner than expected.

“I'm definitely feeling much better than I thought. Almost a month has passed and I'm getting stronger all the time.”