ARSENAL striker Eduardo da Silva has had his cast removed from his left leg after x-rays showed the Brazilian was making good progress from his broken leg.

Eduardo, who plays international football for Croatia, suffered the injury after a tackle from Birmingham City's Martin Taylor in February, but Arsenal are pleased with the 24-year-old's recovery.

A statement released by the club said: "As planned, Eduardo visited a specialist this morning.

"X-rays show that he is making satisfactory progress and the full cast on his left leg was removed and has been replaced with an air boot for protection.

"Eduardo's road to recovery is on schedule and he will now start his rehabilitation programme."

Arsenal's other Brazilian, Gilberto da Silva has qualified for UK citizenship and may remain in the country. The news could lead to the midfielder snubbing a move to Juventus and AC Milan, who are both understood to be interested, in favour of staying put in England.