Eduardo given reason for hope

Arsenal hope stricken forward Eduardo da Silva will make a full recovery in nine months after declaring surgery on his broken leg a success.

The Croatia striker suffered one of the most horrendous injuries ever seen in a Barclays Premier League match after a mistimed tackle by Birmingham’s Martin Taylor but the Gunners are hopeful he will be back in action before the end of the year.

Whatever happens, the 25-year-old summer signing will play no further part in Arsenal’s end-of-season title race and has also been ruled out of the summer’s European Championships.

However, after initial fears his career could be in question, yesterday’s assessment was reason for cautious optimism.

A statement on the Gunners’ official website, www.arsenal.com, read: “The club can confirm that following the incident during Saturday’s match at Birmingham City, Eduardo has fractured his left fibula and sustained an open dislocation of his ankle joint in the same leg.

“He was immediately taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, where he underwent surgery on Saturday evening. The operation was successful, and Eduardo was transferred to a London-based hospital on Sunday afternoon.

“Earlier today, the orthopaedic surgeon and Arsenal medical staff assessed the extent of the damage and possible timescale for a full recovery.

“All being well, Eduardo will have his leg in plaster and using crutches for the next six to eight weeks.

“After that time, partial weight-bearing exercises will be scheduled into a slow rehabilitation process.”

The prognosis thereafter is encouraging.

“It is hoped that Eduardo will be running again in six months’ time and making a full recovery after nine months,” the statement added.

“Eduardo will be released from hospital in a few days.”

Taylor, meanwhile, is being targeted by many angry fans – including from Croatia – who have posted threatening messages on various internet sites.