Surprise Serie A package Genoa could be without midfielder Houssine Kharja for at least six months.

The Morocco international has damaged ligaments in his left knee, according to reports from Italy.

Kharja was taken off during Thursday's friendly test against the youth squad.

Tests have now confirmed damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee and surgery will be necessary.

It is believed Kharja will be out of action for around six months, effectively all but ending his season.

The player turns 27 in a month and is a Moroccan international, even though he was born in France and began his career in the Sporting Lisbon youth academy.

In Italy since 2001 with Ternana, he has also played for Roma, Piacenza, Siena and now Genoa.