As Arsenal continue their intense negotiations to bring in Andrei Arshavin, Croatia’s valiant Gunner is continuing with his intense rehabilitation program to return to Arsenal’s first team since recovering from a horrific career threatening injury he suffered February last year in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at a chilly St.Andrew’s afternoon. The Brazilian born Croatian forward has been greatly missed by both Arsenal and Croatia over the past year as the twenty five year old was recovering from a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation to his left ankle that resulted from a horrendous tackle from Birmingham midfielder Martin Taylor.

As Eduardo missed Croatia’s EURO 2008 campaign as well as the remainder of the 2007/2008 season and the bulk of the 2008/2009 season, there has been a question mark over the highly talented player’s career at the highest level but after completing the full ninety minutes in a reserve match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday, things are looking brighter for both Arsenal and Eduardo at a more personal level. The former Dinamo Zagreb player had scored twelve goals in all competitions for the Gunners in twenty nine appearances before his ugly injury. Credit must go to the player’s tremendous mental and physical strength to withstand the enormity of such an injury and also to the Arsenal team doctors, physiotherapists and surgeons that worked tirelessly for the resurrection of Eduardo’s career which now seems to be getting back on track and will be complete if Arsene Wenger is satisfied with the recovery..

If ultimately Eduardo comes into the first team squad, which in all probability will be the case over the next few days, it will be a huge boost for the Gunners as they push for the final Champions League spot and the Croatian’s flair and finishing upfront will be the key as Arsene Wenger’s men scramble it with Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa until the end of the season. The player himself looked confident after completing the whole match against the Stoke City reserves.

In an interview to the club’s website, the short statured Eduardo reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League but only if Arsene Wenger gives the green signal. The Croatian was quoted as saying, “In my head and everything I am ready. I feel much stronger. I am happy now.”
“I think I am ready for the first team but you would have to ask the boss(Arsene Wenger).” The forward continued, “It has been a long time since I’ve played ninety minutes and now I feel better knowing that I can play a whole game.”

Eduardo’s return to football was in December against a Portsmouth reserve team but was withdrawn after forty five minutes fearing of risk to his career but Wednesday’s full time appearance means the Brazilian born Croat is on track for a return to first team football.

It is normal that after such a lengthy absence it would be hard for Eduardo to find his form quickly but having said this class is permanent and that is what the Croatian has in abundance. His return would not only be a tactical boost for the Gunners on the pitch but off it the club’s mental setup would take a major step in renewing the supporters’ faith in the club and Eduardo would play a major role in it.

A seemingly delighted Eduardo was quoted as saying, “I feel very well and I’m training hard every day. Of course I want to come back quick and strong. Now, every game for me is a big step. I am happy with the ninety minutes on a very hard pitch with all the hard rain. I needed time in the reserves to get my match fitness back. But playing my first game for the first team, I am ready now and I am just waiting for my chance.”
Well, good luck brave Eduardo Alves Da Silva.