Diarra out for up to six months

Diarra had only recently recovered from a thigh injury

Mali's Mahamadou Diarra could be sidelined for up to six months, after learning he may need knee surgery.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid midfielder underwent an X-ray on Tuesday which confirmed his knee injury had relapsed, Spanish sports daily Marca reported.

He will undergo an examination on his right knee next week to determine the seriousness of the problem.

Diarra has been plagued by injury this season and his prolonged absence only adds to Real's long casualty list.

He could also miss the opening matches of Mali's final round of qualifiers for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, which begin in March.