Injury worries for Roma

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of tomorrow’s crunch Champions League last-16 clash against Arsenal at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Italian club go into the encounter having to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and they are saddled with numerous injury woes heading into their most important match of the campaign.

Roma captain Francesco Totti is struggling with a knee injury and has not played since February 27 while midfielder David Pizarro is troubled by a muscular problem that he picked up in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Udinese.

“We have to wait until tomorrow to evaluate the situation regarding Totti and the rest of the players,” Spalletti said.

To make matters worse for Spalletti, Roma will definitely be without injured trio Marco Cassetti, Simone Perrotta and Cicinho.

Additionally, midfielder Daniele de Rossi must serve a one-match ban.

Despite their problems, Spalletti is upbeat about his team’s chances of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the third season in a row.

“It is a crucial stage in the season for us,” Spalletti said. “But I have confidence in my players. When we’ve had games of this nature in the past, they have responded well and this leaves me serene.

“Over the last four years, we have played many important games and this is one of them.”

Roma have plenty of motivation going into the game with the May 27 final being played at the Stadio Olimpico but know Arsenal will be tricky opponents.

Spalletti, meanwhile, does not believe a failure to advance could spell the end of his time in charge at the capital club.

“After four years working here, a game does not determine the future of this team, or my future,” he said.

“This is a delicate game. We face a rival that has technique and is dynamic. They have recovered some players like Theo Walcott, who is dangerous.

“Arsene Wenger seems a very capable coach. He knows how to exploit his resources and I’m sure tomorrow he will play his best team.

“I know Arsenal very well. What I fear most is their strength on the wings and we need to be extremely careful.”

As for his own team, Spalletti said: “With regards to age, we are more experienced than Arsenal and, considering the big games we have played in our recent past, we have similar experience to them. We are two teams that are prepared for this game.

“A goal away from home can make the difference so we cannot afford to let them score.

“I want to see my team show personality and experience.

“We need to be focused in order to achieve our aim and get the result that we want.”

The Italian capital has come under the microscope in the wake of several high-profile incidents in recent years, most notably when a number of Manchester United fans were wounded in clashes with Roma fans in two separate incidents in the city in 2007.

Arsenal’s fans have been urged not to visit certain parts of the city and also advised against travelling to the stadium on their own, and Spalletti has urged the supporters to behave.

“Sport in general is a show and should be experienced as such,” he added. “Both teams deserve to be here and to be able to play this great game.

“I would feel bad if something negative happened regarding the Roma supporters.”

Spalletti has instead encouraged the Roma support to turn their energies to helping the team.

Roma expect more than 65,000 fans to be inside the stadium and he hopes this will give his team extra strength to beat the Gunners.

“We have the advantage of playing at home,” he said. “The fan support will be crucial for us.”