Gorka Pintado is one of six Spanish players in Roberto Martinez's side

Swansea striker Gorka Pintado could make a return from a hernia operation as early as the end of the month.

The Spaniard, 30, has been playing through the pain barrier for some time and went under the knife in Germany on Monday after initially delaying it.

"We couldn't hold it off any longer and we felt this was a good time for Gorka to have the operation," said manager Roberto Martinez.

"Hopefully he will return for Charlton and will be like a new player for us."

Swansea sent Pintado to Germany because the advanced hernia treatment on offer there has seen players like England striker Michael Owen return to action inside a fortnight.

The treatment is known as the "minimal repair" technique, which is effectively keyhole surgery.

Players would normally have to wait at least a month before playing again under the standard treatment.

Pintado has impressed for Swansea since his £70,000 move from Spanish Segunda B side Granada last summer.

His injury has restricted the amount of time he has spent on the pitch this season, but has still scored five times.

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