Can Eduardo spark Arsenal’s revival?

02-18-2009 | AFP

Wenger is confident the 25-year-old will play a key role in Arsenal

Panama Star After almost a year on the sidelines, Eduardo was back with a bang on Monday as his double strike inspired Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup fourth round replay win over Cardiff at the Emirates Stadium.

The Croatian forward showed no signs of any rust following his long rehabilitation from the horrific broken leg and ankle suffered in a challenge with Birmingham's Martin Taylor last February.

Eduardo gave the kind of virtuoso display sorely lacking from any of his team-mates in recent weeks and, although he had to come off after 66 minutes with a slight hamstring strain, Wenger is confident the 25-year-old will play a key role in Arsenal's bid to finish in the Premier League's top four and win the Champions League and FA Cup."I am very happy to have him back because he gives us options” Wenger said. Claiming it was Eduardo's mental strength that was the key to his return to full fitness.