LONDON - ARSENAL'S Brazilian-born Croatia striker Eduardo is nearing a return to action after sustaining a broken leg and ankle at Birmingham in February, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

Eduardo, 25, has not played since he was injured in a tackle by Martin Taylor at St Andrews. The injury was so severe there were initial doubts about him making a full recovery.

'As soon as possible, he will play now. He is joining in full training matches, but he now needs games,' Wenger told Arsenal TV.

The injury also forced Eduardo out of Croatia's squad for this year's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Arsenal face Wigan Athletic in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday when Wenger will recall his first team players after his youngsters lost 2-0 to Burnley in the quarter-finals of the League Cup on Tuesday.

Arsenal, who are currently fourth in the table, beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last week to close the gap on Liverpool and Chelsea who occupy the top two places. -- REUTERS