Boss - No Cup return for Ed

Arsenal boss says FA Cup clash too soon for striker

Last updated: 20th December 2008

Boss - No Cup return for Ed

Eduardo: No Plymouth return

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out Eduardo returning to first-team action in the FA Cup third-round clash with Plymouth on 3rd January.

The Croatian made his first appearance in 10 months when playing for 45 minutes in Arsenal reserves' 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Tuesday.

He was replaced at half-time with a slight hamstring injury and afterwards claimed he could be in contention for a first-team return "in two weeks" provided the strain cleared up.

But Wenger believes the Plymouth tie will come too soon as the striker continues his rehabilitation from a sickening broken leg against Birmingham in February.

The Arsenal boss said: "It is still a bit early because he will be out for two weeks and then he has to get his fitness back.

Not capable

"In two weeks we already have the Plymouth game and he will not be capable to play in that game."

But Wenger has been impressed with the way the Brazilian-born striker has battled back from the injury.

"He is fantastically keen and a dream to work with," said the Gunners boss.

"But when you have been out for 10 months, it takes some time to come back to your best form."