BY JEM MAIDMENT Injured Arsenal striker Eduardo will return to competitive action next week after nearly 10 months on the sidelines. Arsene Wenger confirmed he will definitely line-up for Neil Banfield s reserves when they take on Portsmouth at Barnet s Underhill stadium

Injured Arsenal striker Eduardo will return to competitive action next week after nearly 10 months on the sidelines.

Arsene Wenger confirmed he will definitely line-up for Neil Banfield's reserves when they take on Portsmouth at Barnet's Underhill stadium on Tuesday night.

The Croatia international hasn't played since breaking a fibula and dislocating his ankle at Birmingham on February 23 - the moment many fans believe the Gunners lost the title.

In August, Wenger said: "Eduardo is progressing amazingly quickly." He had initially been pencilled for a return last month but his return was delayed.

But there was disappointing news for Tomas Rosicky, who will also return to the club next week to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring tendon injury.

The Czech international midfielder has not played since January 26 against Newcastle United and has been dealt a further blow with news he will not return until at least the Spring.

Some reports suggest he might even miss the entire season as he has not responded well to treatment.

The 27-year-old underwent further surgery in Germany last month and Wenger added: "He's doing rehab at the moment. He's back here on December 17 and then hopefully we can start to work with him. But it's a long-term prospect - maybe March at the earliest."

L Meanwhile, Arsenal's trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the New Year will be shown live on television. The game, in front of Sky's cameras, kicks off at 1.30pm on Sunday February 8.