AS Roma defender Chris Smalling has been working with famed knee surgeon Ramon Cugat.

Smalling has been training apart from the group and played his last competitive game against Genoa on March 7.

The England defender has been battling a knee problem and this week spent time in Barcelona to consult with Cugat.

Il Romanista reports Smalling began a growth factor therapy during the international break and Cugat has suggested continuing it for a few weeks.

So far this season Smalling, who has been publicly touting his vegan diet, has played just the ten Serie A games.