Arsenal are predicting that Croatian striker Eduardo will be back playing football this year.

Despite the severity of the damage, Arsenal expect the player to be in plaster and on crutches  for  six to eight weeks  before starting a slow rehabilitation programme.

“It is hoped that Eduardo will be running again in six months’ time and making a full recovery after nine months,” said an official statement from Arsenal.

It has been confirmed that the player suffered a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his ankle joint in the same leg. He has had surgery and has been moved from the Midlands to a London Hospital.

Meanwhile Birmingham City captain Martin Taylor who made the tackle has been the victim of death threats, mainly from Croatian websites and message boards.