Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given is a serious doubt for next month's Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus after having surgery to repair a tear in his stomach.
The Newcastle star suffered abdominal pains following a collision with West Ham substitute Marlon Harewood during the Magpies 2-0 win yesterday.
An ambulance was called to Upton Park and it was decided that Given would not fly back to the north-east with his team-mates but instead stay in the capital overnight for treatment and is expected to be out for at least six weeks.
"Shay has had surgery to repair a small tear in his lower stomach," Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder confirmed.
"He is comfortable and will have a short stay in hospital. We'll let things settle down down and it's too early to be putting any date on when he's expected back."
The Magpies were leading 2-0 against West Ham when Given picked up his injury, with Steve Harper brought on for the final minutes as Roeder's men held on for victory.
Given signed a five-year contract with Newcastle last season and has been a consistent performer since arriving from Blackburn in 1997, although reports suggest he faces six weeks out now.
After the victory at Upton Park, with Damien Duff and Obafemi Martins getting the goals, Roeder said: "I would like to think Harewood was being completely honest in trying to get the ball. It's a man's game and I'm sure Shay would understand."
