Napoli defender Christian Maggio will require knee surgery after picking up a meniscus injury.
It had initially been thought that the right-back would recover from the injury before the end of the month, but tests have revealed that the Italian will require an operation to mend the damage.
The news was confirmed on Monday when the 31-year-old was seen by a specialist in Rome, with the operation due to take place on Wednesday.
Maggio has featured three times for the Serie A outfit this season.