Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given will undergo surgery on his troublesome groin injury in Germany on Tuesday and will be sidelined for six weeks.Republic of Ireland stopper Given has not played for the Magpies since the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on February 23 and can expect to be out of action until early May following the operation.

A statement from the club's official website: "After consultation with Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, Shay Given will have surgery in Munich today to cure his recurrent groin problems.

"He is expected to make a full recovery and will be absent for a six-week period."

Hernia specialist Muschaweck has operated on Michael Owen and Alan Shearer in the past.

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