Premier League - Eduardo targets Christmas return

Eurosport - Tue, 05 Aug 10:07:00 2008

Arsenal striker Eduardo is optimistic he will be playing again by Christmas as he continues rehabilitation from a broken leg.

FOOTBALL: Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva - 0

The 25-year-old Croatia international was expected be out for more than a year after suffering a double compound fracture of the left leg in a tackle from Birmingham's Martin Taylor in February.

He has been recovering at a clinic in Rio de Janeiro since April but is now back with the north London club and is awaiting the results of tests which could reveal the time frame of his comeback.

Brazilian-born Eduardo hopes to be back in contention for a first-team place before the end of 2008.

"The worst part is over, and I have had a lot of difficulties to overcome since the beginning. But right now I am very happy with the progress I am making," he said.

"That is thanks to the help I have had, and I am just waiting for the moment when I am ready to play again."

Eduardo is confident he has already endured the darkest moments.

"Yes, it can be difficult at times - because I have never been through something like this before," he added.

"I am still trying to get my focus back, but the worst part is done with.

"That was the initial injury, and the early rehabilitation. I will try to come back as fast as I can and make sure I can play well when I do.

"I hope that I will know exactly how long it will take me to be back in training with my team-mates.

"I want to find out, as well, when they think I can play again. My hope is that it will be before Christmas."

Eduardo also revealed he has received lots of support from the Gunners' fans - and been in regular contact with manager Arsene Wenger.

"The Arsenal fans supported me a lot, and the fact I was in Brazil wasn't a problem - because there is still a fan club there," he told Arsenal TV Online.

"Fans from the club came to visit me when I was working on my treatment. That kind of thing helps me a lot - not only the Arsenal fans but also the people that know me like my family and friends have helped.

"The boss has called me because he wanted to know how everything was going in Brazil, and I told him how I was feeling and the sort of training I was doing.

"I told him about the fitness and rehabilitation work I was doing. That made him very happy.

"Every day I dream about when I get back on to the football pitch. But I am in no rush. I am still finishing some parts of my treatment that will be done here at Arsenal.

"All I can say is that I cannot wait to go back. I will try everything I can to come back with quality."

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 17 of 17

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  1. quick recovery. unknown arsenal. Peter David.

    From David P, on Wed 6 Aug 3:18PM

  2. Eduardo is the new Ronny come the New Year, Watch the old Ronny beginning to sulk with the good news of his recovery.

    We were never the same team after Edu's injury last season and cost us silverware but that's nothing in realtion to someone's well being.

    The return of Edu will boost moral within the club an we will go from strength to strength. Just watch us go.....

    From slivatree, on Wed 6 Aug 7:37AM

  3. Arsenal can do everything on the pitch except keep the goal keeper under constant pressure. So much excellence tends to peter out as soon as the goal is in sight. You do not need the elaborate passing moves in front of goal -- then it is time for a more direct approach without trying to pass the ball into the goal so often. A more direct finisher like Eduardo is needed - he is missed but will be back soon

    From Vigilara, on Tue 5 Aug 10:56PM

  4. well cant wait to see him back.He was amazing until he got that injury,I really think he will be in his top form soon :)

    From dimiturdonerv, on Tue 5 Aug 9:34PM

  5. Eduardo, NEVER MIND, u will be back soon n in top form n the World of football would be amazed by your skills in the pitch. I wish your a speedy recovery and all the best in your career as a footballer of world class. God loves u and so do I. Anang Jojo, The Netherlands.

    From joe a, on Tue 5 Aug 5:24PM

  6. god i cant wait till he comes back hes such a perfect striker.. insane finisher.. so calm..

    From jdogcairo, on Tue 5 Aug 4:00PM

  7. arsenalspot.webs*com

    (I can't believe this Arsenal fansite has such great info and best of all video highlights of all matches)

    From whitehartfake, on Tue 5 Aug 2:32PM

  8. arsenalspot.webs*com

    (I can't believe this Arsenal fansite has such great info and best of all video highlights of all matches)

    From whitehartfake, on Tue 5 Aug 2:32PM

  9. arsenalspot.webs*com

    (I can't believe this Arsenal fansite has such great info and best of all video highlights of all matches)

    From whitehartfake, on Tue 5 Aug 2:32PM

  10. It will be difficult mentally and physically to challenge when he comes back, but as time progresses, he will. I pray i comes back as strong as horse even before time.

    From Luxy, on Tue 5 Aug 1:29PM

  11. god luck to Edwardo I hope he can do it
    It will be very tough mentally to go into a tackle for the first time!!
    I wish him well he deserves to come back as good as new

    From Alex F, on Tue 5 Aug 12:52PM

  12. Oluwaseun u sound like a man u fan. but he is back and he is here to stay and score gaols.

    From uamaska, on Tue 5 Aug 11:59AM

  13. great news....he is the best finisher

    From grippa1310, on Tue 5 Aug 11:33AM

  14. SHUT UP OLUWASEUNA 1 YOU AER THE @#$% FULL, HE WILL PLAY AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. COME ON GUNNERS!!!!!

    From Wilson-M, on Tue 5 Aug 11:33AM

  15. This altimately spells good things ahead for the gunners next season. I am particularly happy for Edu. his progress has given many of us hope. up Gunners............see u when u return from injury. wish dat'll be pretty soon.

    From caleb, on Tue 5 Aug 11:32AM

  16. gunner is the best

    From JRy, on Tue 5 Aug 11:06AM

  17. u arent playing in dec. @#$%......

    From oluwaseun a, on Tue 5 Aug 10:56AM
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