Martins set for surgery

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 24-year-old Nigerian will be operated on by renowned specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, and hopes to be back in action within a matter of weeks.

Martins has also moved to distance himself from criticism of the club's medical staff attributed to one of his representatives, who suggested the injury had not been picked up quickly enough. He 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.

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

Martins has not played since suffering a groin injury shortly before scoring his side's second goal in their 3-0 Barclays Premier League win at Portsmouth on on December 14.

Dr Muschaweck has previously operated upon former Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer and current players Michael Owen, Shay Given and Steve Harper among others in recent years.

Shearer in particular was out of action for less than a fortnight, and boss Joe Kinnear will hope for a similarly speedy recovery this time around.

Martins is one of eight players on the casualty list as Kinnear's squad is stretched to its limits.

To make matters worse, midfielder Nicky Butt is suspended for Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham, and Danny Guthrie has been laid low by a bout of flu.