Eduardo return to propel Gunners, says Wenger

The return to full fitness of Eduardo can help fire Arsenal to Premier League and Champions League glory, Arsene Wenger has said.

According to the Frenchman, the loss of Eduardo for a year following a leg injury suffered during a horror tackle by Birmingham’s Martin Taylor during February 2008 cost Arsenal vital goals as their quest for domestic and European glory stuttered last season.

Now with the Brazilian-born Croatian returned and finding the back of the net in the Gunners opening day thrashing of Everton at Goodison Park, his manager believes Eduardo can now fulfil the promise showed during his first six months in England.

Wenger said the striker was a player which Arsenal “missed terribly” while he was out injured, as Eduardo can “score goals and provide”.

The Frenchman added: “What was always the strength of our team is that our strikers can score but they can provide as well and Eduardo is one of those so we missed him highly.”

Arsenal have been in free-scoring form so far this year, knocking six past a hapless Everton on the opening day and four against Portsmouth last weekend.

If Eduardo and co. continue to keep finding the back of the net with ease then it could be a good Premiership football bet to back them for glory this season.

Another player Arsenal need fit and healthy if they are to challenge for trophies this season is their talismanic captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Spanish playmaker will miss tonight’s Champion’s League qualifier second leg against Celtic with a hamstring problem, however it is believed it is only a minor problem and could see Fabregas return for Arsenal’s vital clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford at the weekend.