Previous Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce said at Christmas: "I think Shay has been rushed back from injury too soon", and he has broken down twice during games this campaign, having to be replaced by Steve Harper.
That won't have gone un-noticed by Kevin Keegan, and I'm sure the Magpies boss would rather have him fit for next season rather than do more damage by throwing him in at the end of this campaign.
Given has not played for the Magpies since the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on February 23 and will be out for an estimated six weeks after Tuesday's operation.
Given's Season Over!
A statement from Newcastle Utd: "After consultation with Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, Shay Given will have surgery in Munich today to cure his recurrent groin problems.
"He is expected to make a full recovery and will be absent for a six-week
period.''
Meanwhile ... Newcastle target, goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, will not play again this season.
Meanwhile ... Newcastle target, goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, will not play again this season.
Bolton manager Gary Megson has confirmed that his goalkeeper will miss the remainder of the season with a back problem, and some suggest he has played his last ever game for Bolton.
The 32-year-old Finland international was absent from Wanderers' Premier League defeat by Wigan at the JJB Stadium on Sunday.
Megson: "He needs six weeks of rest to try and resolve this problem, and he is going to need some form of surgery.
"Either way, his season is over."