Rome  - Defender Christian Maggio is to undergo surgery to repair a damaged knee ligament and will be sidelined until the end of the Serie A season, the Napoli web site reported Monday.

Maggio, 26, hurt his right knee at the weekend during a game his side lost 2-0 at home against Lazio.

The Naples club said he will be operated on Tuesday in a Rome clinic.

Walter Gargano, a 24-year-old Uruguayan midfielder, is also expected to be absent for a long time after suffering a foot fracture while training last week. (dpa)