However Kujore believes that had the staff at Newcastle picked up on the problem sooner then he would have been back in action by now. Surgery means Martins will be sidelined for another 2-3 weeks.

Kujore said of the situation;

"The Newcastle medical staff are woeful. Oba has been having this problem on and off and they failed to spot it.

It was only when he went to Italy that the correct diagnosis was made, and he will have the operation this week.

Look at the entire team. Viduka is injured, Alan Smith is injured, Nicky Butt is injured, and so many players. Even when Shearer was playing, how many times did he end up on the treatment table?"

Martins has also released a statement. He told the official site;

"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 hlping the team."

Newcastle currently have a host of players absent - listed below;

NZogbia (Hip/Thigh)
Cacapa (Knee)
Ameobi (Sprained Ankle)
Viduka (Groin)
Beye (Knee)
Martins (Groin)
Barton (Knee Ligament)
Gonzalez (Achilles Tendinopathy)
Smith (Achilles Tendinopathy)

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