Arsenal Edu plans to play in cup final

Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Edu is planning to play in the FA Cup final against Southampton on Saturday – less than a month after knee cartilage surgery.

He has suffered a string of frustrating injuries since his belated arrival – through passport problems – at Highbury two-and-a-half years ago and was sent for an operation after the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last month.

But Edu, who came on as a first-half substitute for injured captain Patrick Vieira in that match at Highbury, is back in regular training this week and says he is ready to join in fully with the rest of the squad during the next two days.

And Edu, who will celebrate his 25th birthday on Thursday, insists: “I will be ready to play some part in the FA Cup final if the boss needs me.

“I know we have had a few problems recently with Patrick also out with a knee injury and Pascal Cygan and Lauren injured as well. So I am hoping I can give some help.”

Edu’s declaration is a boost for manager Arsene Wenger, who has added Ray Parlour and Oleg Luzhny to his list of doubtful starters for the showdown with Saints at Cardiff’s Millennium