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Eduardo 'could be playing in weeks'

09/06/2008

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has claimed Arsenal striker Eduardo could be back in training with Arsenal this summer.

The Brazilian-born forward was ruled out of Euro 2008 as a result of a horrific injury he suffered while on club duty against Birmingham City in February.

He was caught by a reckless challenge from Blues defender Martin Taylor during the sides' 2-2 draw.

And some estimates had suggested he would be out for anything up to 18 months recovering from a fractured dislocation of his ankle.

However, the Croatia manager - who lamented the absence of Eduardo as he watched his side struggle to break down a resolute Austria defence on Sunday - believes the player could be back within weeks.

"He is recovering and may even join Arsenal for their [pre-season] preparations," Bilic told the Daily Mirror newspaper.

"Eduardo's absence is a handicap, we feel it all the time."

Croatia's attacking options have been somewhat limited without Eduardo, who was frequently singled out as the team's biggest threat in attack during the qualification campaign.

And this was borne out in the Croats' first game of Euro 2008, which saw them edge past the co-hosts despite Austria's world ranking of 101 and their position as rank outsiders for the title.