City keeper Given was stretchered off at the Emirates Stadium

Manchester City hope goalkeeper Shay Given will be fit for the start of next season after undergoing a three-hour operation on Wednesday.

The Republic of Ireland international dislocated his left shoulder during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Arsenal.

The club said the surgery "went well" and the 34-year-old "should be able to begin rehabilitation work soon".

City have signed Marton Fulop on an emergency loan from Sunderland to take Given's spot for the final three games.

Rookie Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen played the final 17 minutes when Given was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and taken to hospital after saving a shot from Arsenal's Abou Diaby at the Emirates Stadium.

However, City boss Roberto Mancini cannot afford to take any risks as his side push to overtake Tottenham for fourth place to qualify for next season's Champions League, with City due to play Spurs at Eastlands on Wednesday 5 May.

City had hoped to recall their on-loan England international keeper Joe Hart from Birmingham to cover for the injured Given, but were blocked by the Premier League.

606: DEBATE Shay's injury looks pretty bad have to say I really feel for the guy davcitymad

And former Arsenal keeper Stuart Taylor played for City in the FA Cup against Scunthorpe in January but has not been available since the end of March.

However, Hungary international Fulop's arrival has relieved the pressure for Mancini.

"For us, Given is an important player, " said Mancini of the experienced Irish stopper, who joined City from Newcastle in February 2009 in a £15m transfer.

"We have three massive games left, but when Nielsen came on, he played well. Nielsen is calm and quiet, but he was relaxed on the pitch and played well."

While Given has won over 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland, Nielsen has made just two international appearances for the Faroe Islands.

He joined City in 2009 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers after a loan spell with non-League side Wrexham.

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