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Page last updated at 19:44 GMT, Wednesday, 7 January 2009

Martins to have hernia operation

Obafemi Martins
Martins' strike against Portsmouth was his sixth goal of the season

Newcastle United have confirmed striker Obafemi Martins will undergo a hernia operation in Germany on Monday.

The 24-year-old Nigerian international will be operated on by specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck and is expected to be out of action for several weeks.

Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer and current players Michael Owen and Shay Given have previously been operated on by Dr Muschaweck.

Martins suffered a groin injury in last month's 3-0 win at Portsmouth.

He picked up the problem shortly before scoring the Magpies' second goal at Fratton Park.

But he distanced himself from criticism of the club's medical staff attributed to one of his representatives, suggesting the injury had not been diagnosed quickly enough.

606: DEBATE
Martins said: "I wish to make it perfectly clear that I have never criticised the medical team at Newcastle United, who all do an excellent job for the club.

"All I am concentrating on is getting fit again as soon as possible so I can be back playing and helping the team."

Martins' pending operation has only added to Newcastle's injury problems as he is one of eight players currently in the treatment room.

The Magpies will also be without midfielder Nicky Butt for Saturday's clash with West Ham because of suspension.

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see also
Portsmouth 0-3 Newcastle
14 Dec 08 |  Premier League
Martins commits future to Magpies
27 Jul 07 |  Newcastle


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