Striker Eduardo should make full recovery, say Arsenal

Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva should make a full recovery after fracturing his left fibula and dislocating his ankle against Birmingham City at the weekend, the Premier League leaders said yesterday.

The Croatia international was injured by a tackle from City defender Martin Taylor after three minutes, with many players visibly shocked by the extent of the damage. Eduardo underwent surgery at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham before being transferred to a London hospital.

After consultations between the club's medical staff and the orthopaedic surgeon, a tentative time frame has been put on his recovery.

" Eduardo will have his leg in plaster and be using crutches for the next six to eight weeks. After that partial weight-bearing exercises will be scheduled into a slow rehabilitation process," the club said.

"It is hoped Eduardo will be running again in six months and making a full recovery after nine months.