Totti faces new year on the sidelines

Roma captain Francesco Totti could be out of action for more than a month after scan confirmed that he damaged a muscle in his right thigh.

Totti was forced out after 31 minutes of Sunday's 3-2 defeat at Catania, which ended a run of eight victories in all competitions, leaving the pitch holding the back of his thigh after trying a back-heel pass to Julio Baptista.

He underwent a scan earlier today which confirmed a strain.

He will not train for ten days and may not be available when Roma resume their Serie A campaign on January 11 against AC Milan, adding to a previous absence this term due to a knee problem, a blow as Totti has managed five goals in ten league games this term.

However, the 32-year-old should return in plenty of time for the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against Arsenal on February 24 and March 11.

Source: UEFA