Martins was a surprise absentee from Saturday's game

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer will not take disciplinary action against Obafemi Martins, who missed Saturday's game against Stoke due to injury.

The Nigeria striker was a surprise omission in the 1-1 draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Shearer said that he was only informed six hours before kick-off by Martins that he had a groin injury.

Although Martins had shown no sign of the injury during the week, he will not be fined.

"He rang up and said he had a sore groin and was unable to play," said Shearer.

"We got the doctors and physios to go and have a look at him, and he couldn't play. But there was no evidence earlier in the week he had the injury.

"After working on a particular system over the previous few days, then it was obviously disappointing to find out so late in the day he couldn't make it, so we had to reshuffle the pack a little."

"But it's happened and we're hopeful it's not going to be too serious because he has a big part to play."

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