Eduardo to return this year

Gunners striker could be back in action in nine months

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 25th February 2008

Eduardo Arsenal

Eduardo: Horror injury

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Arsenal believe that striker Eduardo da Silva will make a full recovery from his horror leg break and could be back in action in nine months.

The Brazil-born Croatia international was left in agony by Martin Taylor's third minute challenge during Saturday's Premier League clash with Birmingham at St Andrews.

The Gunners have revealed that the force of the challenge broke Eduardo's left fibula and dislocated his ankle, with Taylor being shown an immediate red card.

The Birmingham centre-back has visited Eduardo in hospital, with Blues manager Alex McLeish revealing Taylor is 'mentally shattered' by the incident.

Eduardo, who is expected to be discharged from a London hospital in the next few days, could be back in action for Arsene Wenger's men before the end of the year.

Time-scale

A statement on the club's official website said: "The club can confirm that following the incident during Saturday's match at Birmingham City, Eduardo has fractured his left fibula and sustained an open dislocation of his ankle joint in the same leg.

"He was immediately taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where he underwent surgery on Saturday evening. The operation was successful and Eduardo was transferred to a London-based hospital on Sunday afternoon.

"Earlier today (Monday, 25th February), the orthopaedic surgeon and Arsenal medical staff assessed the extent of the damage and possible time-scale for a full recovery.

"All being well, Eduardo will have his leg in plaster and using crutches for the next six to eight weeks. After that time, partial weight-bearing exercises will be scheduled into a slow rehabilitation process.

"It is hoped that Eduardo will be running again in six months' time and making a full recovery after nine months."