Martins was ruled out for seven months after he sustained an injury on Tuesday, April 4 in Shanghai Shenhua’s AFC Champions League game against Kashima Antlers.

Martins started the Asian champions league encounter but had to be replaced by Jianqing Mao in the 22nd minute as he could no longer continue with the match.

Shanghai Shenhua qualified for the AFC Champions League through winning the League Cup by a goal scored by Martins.

The Chinese side offered support to the Nigerian striker as he departed to England for Surgery.

Shanghai Shenhua posted a series of pictures of their players showing solidarity with Martins as he was about to depart at the airport.

The picture was accompanied with a message that said, “Martins is flying to UK for surgery today. Be well soon.”

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Martins then responded by posting a video of the whole team wishing him a good recovery, as he urged his Shanghai Shenhua teammates to continue fighting.

He said, “Thanks for the love see you guys soon one love ❤️keep the fighting spirit @shanghaishenhua.”

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After scoring a hattrick for Shanghai Shenhua in their last league game, Martins will not be in action when his teammates take on Beijing Renhe on Sunday, April 8.