Wenger: No van Persie rush

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has vowed to be patient with Robin van Persie despite the blow of losing Eduardo da Silva for the rest of the season.

Croatia striker Eduardo is out of action for at least nine months after suffering a badly broken leg in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.

However, Wenger will not rush van Persie back into action after an injury-plagued campaign.

The Netherlands striker, who hasn't featured since aggravating a thigh muscle problem in the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham on January 9, will play no part against Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

"We will not rush Robin van Persie back, but the news is quite good," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"It is difficult to say, we go step by step, but he should come back into normal training very, very quickly now.

"Maybe I am being a little over-cautious in my statements, but I do not want to put any special pressure on him."

Elsewhere, the Gunners will be without Kolo Toure (knee), Alex Song (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Johan Djourou (groin), while EmManUel Eboue is suspended.

Gary Lewin: The Forgotten Man

It wasn't till I read an article on the Daily Mail website that I realised just what a clanger I'd dropped.

With aftermath of Eduardo's horrendous injury still raging on, one man remained forgotten.

Step forward Gary Lewin.

Gary became the head physio at Arsenal more than 20 years ago. In that time he probably hasn't seen a more gruesome injury than Eduardo's, and because of his quick reactions, Eduardo has the chance of resurrecting his career.

Lewin has taken care of hundreds of Arsenal players, and he has looked after many an England player also after been given the position of head physio for England in 1996. Many people question the appointment of Gary Lewin to the England set up, claiming he would gain unfair knowledge of players injuries, but I seriously don't think there is a better man for the job.

This medical marvel doesn't just limit himself to helping players from Arsenal and England, oh no, in the 2007 Carling Cup final John Terry caught an unfortunate boot to the face and became unconscious. Lewin was the first man on the scene and his swift actions possibly saved the life of the Chelsea defender.

So here's to a man who whilst being so vital to our title credentials, often remains forgotten.

Cheers Gary!!!

Eduardo leaves the hospital after surgery

LONDON (AP) - Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva left the hospital on Wednesday after undergoing surgery on his broken left leg. The Croatian international also sustained an open dislocation of his ankle in the same leg after a tackle by defender Martin Taylor in Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Birmingham in the Premier League on Saturday.

"Eduardo would like to once again thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support he has received," Arsenal said in a statement.

Eduardo's leg will be in plaster for at least six weeks and he will miss the June 7-28 European Championship. Arsenal has said he may be able to run within six months and be playing within nine.

What punishment should Martin Taylor be given?

Life ban	154 (27%)
Birmingham should be fined	24 (4%)
10 match ban	151 (27%)
The red card is enough	205 (37%)
Other	19 (3%)