Novara have suffered a blow in the battle to defend their Serie A status, with goalkeeper Samir Ujkani set to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The Albania international got hurt during Sunday's 5-2 defeat at Roma and will undergo surgery today to repair a fractured trapezium bone in his right hand.

Ujkani is set to be out of action until June and Alberto Fontana will replace him in goal in the final eight games of the season, including this Saturday's home game against Genoa.

Novara are 19th in the standings, nine points from safety.