It was thought that it would take up to 15 months to fully recover from the injury; but Eduardo, recovering in a clinic in Rio De Janeiro since mid-Apri, has now brought this date forward, which is sure to please fellow teammates and manager, not to mention the Gunner's fans. Eduardo told Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti: "I am returning to Europe from Brazil at the beginning of August, perhaps even the end of July. Doctors tell me by then I will be fully recovered and able to play football again. I hope so too.I'm feeling well and my rehabilitation is going better than I would ever have hoped."

"Excellent news, hopefully Eduardo will be fit in time to make the substantial contributions in front of goal that he did this year. If his season hadn't ended so abrubtly, I am sure the seasons outcome in the Champions League and Premier League would have been much more positive for Arsenal had he not been mauled by Martin Taylor. (Below: Eduardo suffered a compound fracture of the left leg, and open dislocation of the left ankle)"