Newcastle keeper Shay Given is expected to be out for six weeks after having groin surgery in Germany on Tuesday.
Given has not played since Newcastle's 5-1 home defeat against Manchester United on 23 February.
He was operated on by Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, who has also treated Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.
A Newcastle statement read: "Shay Given is expected to make a full recovery after surgery and will be absent for a six-week period."
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland keeper was sidelined by a similar problem at the start of the season.
He has been troubled by the problem throughout the season and has been restricted to just 24 appearances - Steve Harper has deputised as Newcastle have been dragged into the relegation fight under new manager Kevin Keegan.
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