Totti comeback delayed

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti will miss their UEFA Champions League match against KRC Genk.

Thigh injury
The Itaian international is recovering from the thigh injury that forced him to miss his nation's EURO 2004™ qualifiers against Yugoslavia and Wales as well as Saturday's 3-1 Serie A win against Empoli FC, but was expected to return in action for the match against the Belgian champions.

Needs more time
But although Totti resumed training with his team-mates on Sunday, Roma's medical staff decided that the 26-year-old attacking midfield player needs to continue his rehabilitation in order to completely recover from his injury.

Third game missed
Totti has played only one match in the Champions League this season, the 1-0 Matchday Three win at Genk, after missing the first two games against Real Madrid CF and AEK Athens FC due to suspension. He will probably return to play next Sunday in the Roman derby against S.S. Lazio.

Cassano tipped
Roma coach Fabio Capello is expected to replace Totti with Antonio Cassano, with the Italian Under-21 forward linking up with Gabriel Batistuta in attack.

Second place
Roma are currently second in the Group G, three points behind holders Madrid. Genk, in last place, are yet to win in the first group stage.