Injured Roma striker Francesco Totti is still hoping to be able to play in next weekend’s derby against Lazio.

His thigh strain is improving rapidly, but he still has a race against time to be ready for the match.

He had limped off during the last match – a home 3-1 win over Atalanta and was diagnosed with a thigh strain.

Tests at the Villa Stuart clinic on Thursday showed the lesion was improving considerably, but there still remains a doubt as to whether he will be fully fit by next weekend.

More tests are to be made on his thigh tomorrow in the hope that more improvement is noticed.

Meanwhile, reports in the capital said that Roma should have goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg back for the first time since he was knocked unconscious by Inter defender Lucio.

The Dutch international tried going back to training this week, but developed a headache as time wore on.