Arsenal's Eduardo could return this year

Feb 25, 2008 - 7:22 PM LONDON (Ticker) - Arsenal forward Eduardo da Silva is expected to make a full recovery by the end of the year after it was confirmed Monday he fractured his left fibula and dislocated his ankle in a shocking injury suffered Saturday.

The Gunners striker was hurt after just three minutes of the 2-2 Premier League draw with Birmingham City at St Andrews at the weekend, following a challenge by Martin Taylor which saw the Blues defender sent off.

Arsenal released a statement confirming the extent of the injury suffered by Eduardo, who turned 25 on Monday.

"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," the statement said.

"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."

After assessing the injury, Arsenal said it hoped to see Eduardo back in action before 2009.

"Earlier today, the orthopedic surgeon and Arsenal medical staff assessed the extent of the damage and possible timescale for a full recovery," the statement continued. "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 for the Croatian.

"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.

"The Arsenal medical team would like to take this opportunity to thank Birmingham City FC for their assistance on the day as well as the surgical and ward staff on S2 at Selly Oak Hospital for their expert medical care. In addition, and on behalf of Eduardo, the club would like to thank everyone for their many touching messages of support."

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

Security personnel had to restrain Croatian journalists who ran on to the road and tried to get into Taylor's car as he left the club's Wast Hills training complex on Monday.

But Taylor has received many messages of support - which Blues manager Alex McLeish claims have helped to limit the psychological damage he might have suffered.

"There has been a furore over the incident which has probably gone too far and we would like to draw a line under it now and let Martin get on with his career and hope Eduardo gets back as soon as possible," McLeish told Sky Sports.

"I've heard about the death threats and you are going to ridiculous proportions if that is the case. You've just got to get on with it and dismiss those things. There are some crazy people in the world.