Roma hope that Owen is missing

Paul Thomson13 April 2012

Roma coach Fabio Capello admits the presence of Liverpool's Michael Owen could have a crucial bearing on the outcome of tonight's Champions League clash at Anfield.

The England striker is set to undergo a late fitness test on a hamstring injury and Capello said: "I would like to know if Owen is playing but Liverpool have a strong squad with many other good players. It would be better, though, if he wasn't playing."

Phil Thompson, Liverpool's assistant manager, puts Owen's chances of playing at no better than 50-50 and insisted that the player will have to be 100 per cent fit to be in the team even though Liverpool need to win by two clear goals to guarantee qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Midfielder Francesco Totti is the only doubt for the Italian League leaders with a thigh problem and may be saved for this weekend's top-oftableclash with Inter Milan.

Capello vowed there would be no repeat of the shameful scenes which followed last week's 1 - 1 draw with Galatasaray in Rome.

"It will be a strong match but there will be no confrontations," said the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager.

The two sides met in last season's UEFA Cup with Liverpool coming out on top despite a 1-0 defeat on Merseyside.

"We have matured since last year and so have Liverpool," Capello added. "We have won the Scudetto and they have won other trophies.

"The most important thing for us is to win tonight. We have come to win, not to lose."

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