Eduardo close to Arsenal return

Eduardo missed the European Championships because of the injury

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says striker Eduardo should be back playing competitive football "as soon as possible" following his broken leg.

There were fears for the Croatian's career after he suffered leg and ankle injuries at Birmingham on 23 February.

"He is joining in full training matches but he needs games now," said Wenger.

The news will come as a boost to Arsenal, who have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United recently but are eight points behind leaders Liverpool.

606: DEBATE I'd love to know what game he is making his return for, so I can buy a ticket for it 49GamesInvincible

The 25-year-old suffered a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his left ankle after a tackle by Birmingham's Martin Taylor during the 2-2 draw at St Andrews.

Eduardo, who had surgery on the same day, missed the remainder of the season and the European Championships but has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme that includes spells in his native Brazil.

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