Roma skipper Francesco Totti has undergone surgery and is now out of hospital.
Roma skipper Francesco Totti has undergone surgery and is now out of hospital.
The Azzurri star, who underwent surgery on a fractured ankle and displaced ligaments, has been ordered by doctors to rest completely for a few days before beginning physiotherapy, and it is thought that he will be out of action until the dying stages of the season.
"I must think of my health first, even if there are the World Cup finals and possible Italian Cup and Uefa Cup finals to play,‚Ç¥ he admitted.
"I hope to be ready by the start of May. I'll be out for about three months, but I just have to take it day after day.‚Ç¥
The length of the lay-off has led many to question whether or not he will be ready for the World Cup finals which begin the following month, although Italy boss Marcello Lippi has no doubts as to whether he should be included or not.
"Should I wait for him for the World Cup? Surely," he declared.
"He is the model of a mature man, someone who has accepted this negative moment in his career with good grace.
"He is transmitting calmness to everyone and has refused to lay the blame on anyone."
