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7DAYS
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2009 31
“He has the mental strength of a mountain” -
Arsene Wenger believes Eduardo is mentally
already showing peak performance
Football
Look Roo’s ready
FIT-AGAIN EDUARDO
CAN IGNITE GUNNERS
to boost United bid
ARSENAL manager Arsene
FOOTBALL NEWS
Wenger is hoping fit-again
striker Eduardo can shoot
the Gunners into night of my life. It proved I
contention for silverware can play again at the very
after watching the Croatian highest level.
Striker to feature against Fulham
crush Cardiff. “It was a really special
Eduardo celebrated an moment when I scored the
as United gear up for title run-in
emotional return to action first goal. Yes, I had tears
after a year on the in my eyes because I felt
sidelines by scoring a very emotional.
MANCHESTER UNITED’S “The decision not to involve brace to help Arsenal into “I celebrated by kissing my
charge towards a third him on Sunday (in the 4-1 FA the fifth round of the Cup. wedding ring because my
straight Premier League Cup win over Derby) was a It was the Brazilian-born wife, Andreja, my daughter,
title has received a huge good one because he was Croatian’s first match since Lorena, and the rest of my
boost with the news that able to train and that extra February 2008 when he family, who have supported
Wayne Rooney will make day has brought him on.” suffering a broken leg and a me all the way through.”
his comeback tonight. Victory over the London dislocated ankle in a
The England striker has been side will give United a huge reckless challenge from WHILE there good news for
on the sidelines for five advantage over Liverpool with Birmingham defender Arsenal, West Ham will be
weeks after picking up a 13 just games remaining. Martin Taylor. less happy after striker Dean
hamstring injury just minutes With the team looking strong With Arsenal seemingly out Ashton has revealed he will
after scoring what proved to in the league, in the last 16 of of the Premier League title not play again this season as
be an early winner in the 1-0 the Champions League, race, the Cup and the he takes a cautious approach
victory against Wigan on quarter-finals of the FA Cup, Champions League are their to his rehabilitation following
January 14. and preparing for a League best changes for glory. two bouts of ankle surgery.
He was originally told he Cup final against Tottenham And Wenger said: “I am Ashton, 25, injured his ankle
would be out for three weeks, on March 1, fans are very happy to have him in September last year and
but then United staff warned beginning to talk up their back because he gives us has just had the second
the 23-year-old’s recovery team’s chances of winning options. He can play on the operation on it.
could take a little longer, the lot - particularly with flank, he can play central, “I’m looking to get myself
and he was force to miss Rooney back in the fold. he can play behind the back for pre-season now. I
England’s 2-0 friendly Yet despite United’s striker or up front on his don’t want to come back
defeat against European phenomenal form, own. It is fantastic for us. unless I’m right,” said Ashton.
champions Spain. Portuguese winger Nani “Everybody is happy for
United have barely missed believes it will be tough for him. It was good to see us AC MILAN have confirmed
him in that time as they have the Red Devils to win play with the handbrake off. defender Alessandro Nesta
chalked up seven every competition. Eduardo played a big part will not play at all this
consecutive wins in all “It will be difficult to win in that. season after undergoing
competitions, in his absence. everything because you’re “He is intelligent, talented, surgery to cure a back
They have progressed in both not going to play well all he understands quickly injury that has prevented
domestic cup competitions the time,” said Nani, who what is happening and him playing a single minute
and, more importantly, have scored in United’s 4-1 reacts well to every so far during the campaign.
moving from two points FA Cup win over Derby. situation. That is why he “We hope that finally he is
behind Liverpool in Premier “But we are doing well at the is a striker.” able to resolve the
League to two points clear of moment and hopefully we An emotional Eduardo problems,” said Milan coach
their rivals. can keep that going. added: “This was the best Carlo Ancelotti.
But Rooney’s return against “We want to win every
Fulham tonight will still be a competition and BACK IN CONTENTION: Wayne Rooney is all set for his return
PHEW AND CRY:
welcome boost for Sir Alex we will do our best.”
Eduardo scored
Ferguson as the Red Devils While mid-table Fulham will prove they can perform winning. But the most
two in an emotional
look to go five points clear of have enjoyed a much- away from home. important thing is that when
return to action
their rivals in the title run-in. improved campaign following They have yet to win a we’re not winning away, at
He will have to be content their brush with relegation Premier League match on the least we’re getting a result.”
with a place on the bench, last season, it will be a road this season and have Bobby Zamora, Clint
but Fergie is planning to let major surprise if Roy found the net just three times. Dempsey and John Pantsil
his terrier off the leash at Hodgson’s side manage However, Hodgson’s side will all be restored to the
some point tonight. to bring United’s winning have frustrated Liverpool, starting line-up at United.
“The plan is for Wayne run to an end. Aston Villa and Tottenham Meanwhile, even though the
Rooney to be involved and he Since drawing at Tottenham by holding them to transfer window has only just
will start on the bench,” on December 13, Ferguson’s goalless draws. slammed shut, reports in
Ferguson said yesterday. side have won all eight And Hodgson said: “Some of Spain have linked the
“We have handled him in the league games - scoring 14 the draws away from home Cottagers with a summer
right way. He is training now. goals without reply - while have been in games we were move for Real Madrid striker
“His performances have been title rivals Liverpool and expected to lose. Alvaro Negredo.
excellent and he is back to Chelsea have stuttered. “Our away record is going to The 23-year-old forward is
his best. Yet Hodgson believes Fulham haunt us until we do start valued at around $10million.
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