Obafemi Martins Faces Lengthy Spell on Sidelines Due to Hamstring Injury

Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins is set for an extended period away from the pitch, with his Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua confirming a severe hamstring injury that could sideline the 33-year-old for up to seven months. The announcement follows Martins’ untimely exit during Shanghai Shenhua’s encounter against Kashima Antlers in the Asian Champions League on Tuesday.

Martins, a former player for Inter Milan, was forced off the field during the initial stages of the match, a clash that culminated in a 2-2 draw. Shanghai Shenhua officially declared on their website the following day that the injury incurred by Martins would require a substantial recovery period, ruling him out of action for an extensive duration.

The seasoned forward, who recently displayed his goal-scoring prowess with a remarkable hat-trick in Shanghai’s 4-2 Chinese Super League victory over Hebei China Fortune, faced the unfortunate setback in what seemed to be a promising period for both the player and the club.

Martins’ injury arrives at a critical juncture, with expectations of his involvement with the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for the upcoming Russia 2018 World Cup. His prolific form in the league had positioned him as a potential asset for the squad.

The unforeseen nature of Martins’ injury not only disrupts Shanghai Shenhua’s plans but also dashes the player’s hopes of contributing to both club and country in the immediate future. The prolonged absence due to the hamstring injury presents a significant challenge for Martins as he navigates the arduous path toward recovery, facing a substantial spell away from competitive football.