Eduardo set for July return

Croatian's rehabilitation going better than he hoped

Last updated: 30th May 2008

Eduardo da Silva Birmingham v Arsenal

Eduardo: Swift return

I'm feeling well and my rehabilitation is going better than I would ever have hoped.

Eduardo da Silva
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Arsenal's injured striker Eduardo da Silva could make a miraculous return to action as early as July.

The news comes after the Croatian suffered a broken left leg in a horror tackle with Birmingham defender Martin Taylor in February.

Even in March, the foward had thought it would take up to 15 months to fully recover from the injury.

But Eduardo - who has been recovering since mid-April in a clinic in Rio De Janeiro - has now brought this date forward, which is sure to please manager Arsene Wenger.

Returning

Eduardo told Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti: "I am returning to Europe from Brazil at the beginning of August, perhaps even the end of July.

"Doctors tell me by then I will be fully recovered and able to play football again. I hope so too.

"I'm feeling well and my rehabilitation is going better than I would ever have hoped."

Backing Croatia

Eduardo's injury means he will miss Croatia's Euro 2008 Group B campaign against Austria, Germany and Poland.

But he has backed his team-mates, who accounted for England in qualifying, to do well in the tournament.

"I think the boys will play very well without me," Eduardo added.

"They'll get through the group and, after that, we'll have to wait and see."