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Newcastle play it safe with Martins

Obafemi Martins will miss Newcastle United FC's UEFA Cup game against US Città di Palermo as the club look to ease concerns over a hamstring injury.

Obafemi Martins will miss Newcastle United FC's UEFA Cup game against US Città di Palermo on Thursday night as the club look to ease concerns over a hamstring injury.

Hamstring problem
Manager Glenn Roeder has said that he will rest the former FC Internazionale Milano striker for two weeks after the Nigerian complained of a tight hamstring during an English League Cup game last week. He was rested for Saturday's Premiership game against Charlton Athletic FC, a 0-0 draw.

Safety first
"Oba has a tight hamstring," said Roeder. "If he continued to play for the next two weeks it would have the potential to turn into a hamstring tear. Players with the speed he has often pick up hamstring strains. We need to protect him for the next couple of weeks." Martins has played in three UEFA Cup games this season, scoring twice in the win against FC Levadia Tallinn in the first round.

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