Giallorossi will hope to maintain run without talismanic captain.
Roma have suffered a significant blow after confirming that captain Francesco Totti has sustained a hamstring injury which could sideline him for a month.
The 37-year-old was forced off in the first-half of Friday night’s 2-0 win over Napoli, and tests on Monday morning have confirmed that there is muscle damage, as reported by the club’s official website.
While the Giallorossi have stated that he will undergo further examinations in 10 days time, he is set to miss games against Udinese and Chievo, and is likely to be a doubt for Torino and Sassuolo.
Given his performances so far this season, the news will come as a huge blow for boss Rudi Garcia who has masterminded eight wins in eight games up to this stage.
The French tactician will perhaps take comfort in that the four upcoming games are undoubtedly winnable, but Totti’s creativity will ultimately be missed regardless of the opposition.
The Italian star has recently been linked with a return to international duty after his impressive start to the campaign, but it would appear that talk of an Azzurri comeback has cursed him in terms of fitness.
Nevertheless, he will hope to work on his recovery over the coming weeks as Roma maintain their 100 per cent record. While those within the club continue to dismiss talk of a Scudetto at this early stage, the Italian media believe that they have now established themselves as a contender.
However, much will now depend on how they deal with the absence of Totti, with either Marco Borriello or Adem Ljajic expected to step in which will mean a change in system.
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