Eduardo hopes to be back in first-team contention by the New Year after he made his long-awaited comeback for the reserves on Tuesday night. The Brazil-born Croatia international played 45 minutes of the 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Barnet s Underhill stadi

Eduardo hopes to be back in first-team contention by the New Year after he made his long-awaited comeback for the reserves on Tuesday night.

The Brazil-born Croatia international played 45 minutes of the 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Barnet's Underhill stadium - his first competitive appearance since since breaking a fibula and dislocating his ankle at Birmingham on February 23.

"I am feeling very happy to have started my first game in ten months," said the 25-year-old.

"I need more training and games and if everything is okay, then hopefully in two weeks I will be ready to play.

"I just want to play like I did before, but maybe I can be better.

"I hope I can do more, and that next time will be better. I just felt something in my hamstring, but in two weeks I will be all right."

The Gunners' second string beat Pompey courtesy of goals from Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs in front of a healthy crowd of 2,285 and Eduardo was quick to thank the fans for their support.

"The injury was very hard for me, but I have had to forget everything bad in my life and went to do some treatment in Brazil where I saw my family and friends, which helped make me strong.

"The Arsenal fans and also those in Croatia pushed me on. I have to thank all the medical staff as well."

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger says his side can beat Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday and propel themselves back into the title race.

His side dropped to fifth after last week's 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough, but the Arsenal manager said: "I am confident we will come back and catch some ground before Christmas and then push on.