Given set to miss next six weeks

Newcastle keeper Shay Given is expected to be out for six weeks after having groin surgery in Germany on Tuesday.

Given has not played since Newcastle's 5-1 home defeat against Manchester United on 23 February.

He was operated on by Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, who has also treated Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

A Newcastle statement read: "Shay Given is expected to make a full recovery after surgery and will be absent for a six-week period."

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland keeper was sidelined by a similar problem at the start of the season.

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How will Newcastle cope without Shay Given?

He has been troubled by the problem throughout the season and has been restricted to just 24 appearances - Steve Harper has deputised as Newcastle have been dragged into the relegation fight under new manager Kevin Keegan.

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