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Newcastle United: Obafemi Martins suffers career-threatening injury

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 08: Obafemi Martins of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Cup Round of 16 first leg match between Newcastle United and AZ Alkmaar at St James' Park on March 8, 2007 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 08: Obafemi Martins of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Cup Round of 16 first leg match between Newcastle United and AZ Alkmaar at St James' Park on March 8, 2007 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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The former Newcastle United forward has a tough path in front of him.

Injuries can be a difficult part of football, and not every player recovers in the same way. Obafemi Martins faced his own fitness obstacles during his time with Newcastle United, and now must battle back onto the pitch in China as well.

A torn hamstring was announced this week for the Shanghai Shenhua striker, with the Chinese Super League club expecting Martins to be out of action for up to seven months. The 33-year-old spent three years on Tyneside, and certainly enjoyed memorable moments at St. James’ Park.

Martins scored 35 goals for the Toon in 104 matches across all competitions. Now, the forward could find it difficult to return to form so late in his career.

Fighting for a potential place with Nigeria for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, Martins will certainly be disappointed by this setback.

After his time with United, Martins played in Russia, Spain and the United States before arriving in China two years ago.

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While this latest injury is discouraging for his career, the former Inter Milan man displayed a remarkable desire and work-rate at Newcastle that could help him in this current recovery process.

An ability to keep moving forward

When Martins signed with Newcastle in the summer of 2006, he was not afraid of the pressure that came with his position (and taking on the iconic number nine shirt). Injuries slowed his start, but the striker was eventually able to produce in the final third.

Managerial changes and more fitness issues followed, but the talented attacker kept coming back. Martins has helped to lead Shanghai to success with his new side, and hopefully this hamstring issue does not end his playing days.

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Obafemi Martins always put in the effort during his spell with Newcastle United, and it is that effort that can bring him up to full fitness in the coming months.

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