Premier League - Eduardo injured on return

Eurosport - Thu, 18 Dec 16:36:00 2008

Croatia forward Eduardo successfully returned from injury to start for Arsenal's reserves in a 2-0 win over Portsmouth, but suffered a hamstring strain.

FOOTBALL Arsenal's Eduardo (left) in action with Portsmouth's Richard Duffy during the Premier Reserve League South match - 0

Eduardo has been out for almost 10 months after suffering a horrific ankle and leg break in Arsenal's 2-2 Premier League draw with Birmingham City last season.

"I'm just so happy to be back playing after 10 months out," the player told Arsenal TV after the match. "I hope to be back playing at the same level or even better, but now it's just good to forget about all the bad things in my life."

The Brazilian-born striker lasted only 45 minutes before coming off with a hamstring injury that will sideline him for a further two weeks.

"I think everything will be okay with my hamstring and I should be playing before the New Year," he continued.

"I really enjoy playing for Arsenal and the national team of Croatia. There is a Croatia game in February and I should be able to play in that."

The former Croatia Zagreb man looked comfortable with the pace of the game as he got some early touches and ran freely.

He went down in the Portsmouth area on three minutes but was waved up by the referee.

Initially he did not look entirely sharp, as shown when he failed to control a Fran Merida pass which played him through on goal.

Later in the first half, the 25-year-old found himself with a half-chance after Jack Wilshere and Jay Simpson combined; however he was forced wide by Pompey's defence and was unable to get a shot in.

As the game progressed Eduardo improved and almost broke the deadlock on 41 minutes.

With a superb touch on the edge of the box, he cut left and sent in a sweet, curling effort that Asmir Begovic acrobatically tipped behind for a corner.

He was withdrawn at half-time for midfielder Amaury Bischoff, a summer signing who has also struggled with injury.

Eduardo's career-threatening injury, suffered after a tackle by Blues centre-back Martin Taylor, was successfully operated on and he was reported to be walking without crutches in the summer, although it has taken him until December to be considered fit enough for contact training.

His return will be a welcome boost for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who is without England forward Theo Walcott until spring because of a shoulder injury.

Reda Maher / Eurosport

Comment 23 - 42 of 82

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  1. welcome back eduardo!! you have been missed.

    From Hamad, on Wed 17 Dec 5:18AM

  2. good to see eduardo back...just a joy to watch..also­ luvin that suporters of other clubs are wishing well..­ great to see people who luv the sport..rather than just­ following the crowd..being a manutd fan..i knw he will­ be threat.. but also a treat to watch..shame on people­ who want others to get hurt..

    From stanley, on Wed 17 Dec 5:10AM

  3. gr8 to have u back mate!!

    From stanley, on Wed 17 Dec 5:08AM

  4. Great to see u back...from a LFC fan!

    From elnino, on Wed 17 Dec 5:06AM

  5. go eduardo!!!go!!!go!!!

    From SaMiR NaSRi, on Wed 17 Dec 4:36AM

  6. mimimutanga yo opinion is a bit, aaagh hw can i put­ this out politely? i guess u wish essien was english­ now u jus sound stupid....

    From gerald m, on Wed 17 Dec 4:09AM

  7. Great to see you back.

    From sjdgls, on Wed 17 Dec 3:37AM

  8. rc_alcock brummies dont talk like that so get it right,­ the the black country and wolves, and its better than­ ull alrite mate and boss,

    From ash_y2k42003, on Wed 17 Dec 12:56AM

  9. Where yum cume frum you cume frum brum
    birmingham shity­ are a little like Jasper Carrot
    used to be funny now­ just a little sad!
    Shame really

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:50AM

  10. SOME GOOD NEWS AT LAST NOW LETS KICK IT UP A GEAR.

    From Wilson-M, on Wed 17 Dec 12:46AM

  11. Post 32
    I'm still praying for all birmingham­ supporters
    Let's face it they need all the help­ they can muster.
    What division are they in?
    lol

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:42AM

  12. rc_alcock or shell i say NO C OCK LOL, what you on­ about birmingham supporters, just one thing to say to­ you.
    KEEP RIGHT ON TO THE END OF THE ROAD KEEP RIGHT ON­ TO THE END, THO THE WAY BE LONG LET YOUR HEART BEAT­ STRONG KEPP RIGHT ON!, None of that you'll never­ walk alone rubbish

    From ash_y2k42003, on Wed 17 Dec 12:37AM

  13. Post 26
    Don't build your hopes up to much!!!

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:36AM

  14. post 9
    Let's not get carried away now!

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:32AM

  15. scott s
    Do you think you are really likely to get any­ prison visitors?

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:30AM

  16. Post 23
    A birmingham supporter lol
    We must be­ patient
    And he must be forgiven
    For a miss birth or­ strange
    choice in life
    My prayers are with you!!
    lol

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:27AM

  17. Very nice to see Eduardo back a nice honest player with­ skill
    From a keen Liverpool(Top of the league)fan.
    Best­ of luck to him!!

    From Nicholas, on Wed 17 Dec 12:24AM

  18. sexyhoere3 how are you where you from

    From i_want_muff08, on Wed 17 Dec 12:22AM

  19. Great to se him back . A real pleasure to see that­ talent has not gone to waste . Good luck . from Louis

    From L, on Wed 17 Dec 12:20AM

  20. magfamglenavy_ u are living in a dream world, as nice­ as it is to c a player coming back from such a horrific­ injury he has no chance of being sharp enough or even­ fit enough for that matter to score against liverpool,­ and scott s what is wrong with u for wishing injury on­ eone of the most talented individuals to grace the­ pitch, no matter what club he plays for. good to see­ eduardo back playing good look to the fella.

    From Cross23, on Wed 17 Dec 12:05AM
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