Arsenal's Eduardo is optimistic he will be playing again by Christmas as he continues rehabilitation from a broken leg.
The 25-year-old Croatia international was expected be out for more than a year after suffering a double compound fracture of the left leg in a tackle from Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor in February.
He has been recovering at a clinic in Rio de Janeiro since April but is now back with the north London club and is awaiting the results of tests which could reveal the time frame of his comeback.
Brazilian-born Eduardo hopes to be back in contention for a first-team place before the end of 2008.
play again
He told the club's official webste: "The worst part is over and I have had a lot of difficulties to overcome since the beginning. But I am very happy with the progress I am making. That is thanks to the help I have had and I am just waiting for the moment when I am ready to play again.
"I will try to come back as fast as I can and make sure I can play well when I do. I hope I will know exactly how long it will take me to be back in training with my team-mates. I want to find out, as well, when they think I can play again. My hope is that it will be before Christmas."
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