Totti doesn't need an operation

Francesco Totti's doctor insists the Roma captain doesn't need another knee operation amid reports to the contrary.

The 33-year-old has been restricted to just 14 League appearances this season and won't be available to Claudio Ranieri for this weekend's match against Palermo.

It was reported this morning that Totti might need to go under the knife to clean up the area around his knee, which is apparently surrounded by pieces of shattered cartilage, causing inflammation.

“I don't see anything to be alarmed about. The condition of Totti's knee is good,” Professor Pier Paolo Mariani explained.

“Totti had some bruising between the kneecap and the quadriceps against Parma.”

Asked about the prospect of another operation, Mariani said: “I don't really know where these rumours start from. In the last check up, I have seen stud marks on his knee, the poor lad.

“Since the match against Parma we have examined the knee at least twice. There is nothing strange. From a clinical point of view there isn't a problem that can create alarm.”