Manager Bobby Robson and his players go into the game knowing an already difficult task has become several degrees more troublesome since the draw was made.

Fabio Capello's side trounced Serie A leaders Lazio 4-1 in the Rome derby at the weekend, while United drew with struggling Watford and in the process added to their injury woes.

The 20-strong party which travelled to Rome did not include Franck Dumas, Kevin Gallacher, Didier Domi, Kieron Dyer, Duncan Ferguson, Alain Goma, Andy Griffin or Steve Howey, who are all injured.

Italian defender Alessandro Pistone is also a doubt.

So acute are Robson's injury problems that he has had to include 17-year Gary Caldwell in the squad as well as several players who are not yet fully match-fit.

Warren Barton is likely to return from suspension at right-back along with midfielder Nolberto Solano, who was rested at Watford following his arrival back in the country from duty with Peru.

Temuri Ketsbaia, who played 80 minutes as a substitute on Saturday after replacing hamstring victim Gallacher, could be in line for his first start since damaging knee ligaments at Leeds in September - although Silvio Maric will feel his two goals against FC Zurich in the previous round should earn him another chance up front.