Eduardo 'ready to go' for Croatia

Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva has declared himself fit to face Israel in Zagreb on Saturday to ease coach Slaven Bilić's injury concerns going into a crucial week of UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers.

Injury concerns
Eduardo was ruled out of Arsenal FC's victory against Sunderland AFC on Sunday because of a groin problem, but after coming through training unscathed expects to start for his country. "I took part in the whole practice on Tuesday, so it's good," he said. "I will be ready for Saturday's match." Only Northern Ireland forward David Healy's 12 goals better the Croatian's tally of nine during qualifying. The Brazilian-born 24-year-old has scored five times in his adopted nation's last five games and with strikers Mladen Petrić and Boško Balaban doubtful through injury, Bilić has been keeping his fingers crossed on Eduardo's recovery. Bilić has called HNK Hajduk Split youngster Nikola Kalinić in as cover with Hamburger SV's Ivica Olić the only other fit forward at his disposal.

'Better and better'
Though not yet a regular starter in the Arsenal side, Eduardo is proving an important addition to the squad and already has two UEFA Champions League goals to his name, against AC Sparta Praha in qualifying and Sevilla FC on Matchday 1. He has not played since aggravating his groin complaint in Arsenal's 2-0 English League Cup win against Newcastle United FC on 25 September, and is relishing a return to action. "I haven't lost form, but I do need matches, and I'm really looking forward to this one," he said. "I'm feeling better and better every day at Arsenal. I have moved to a new flat, I have an English teacher and I speak the language better now."

Hat-trick hero
Eduardo's strikes are an important reason why Croatia are top of Group E, three points clear of England and five above third-placed Russia, going into Saturday's tie. Eduardo hit a hat-trick when Croatia defeated Israel in Tel-Aviv last November and the pressure is on him to produce again. "I know people expect goals from me and I have got used to it," he said. "I also know they think I will score another hat-trick. But I would rather win this match than score three times – that is more important."

'Ready to win'
Key midfielder Darijo Srna skipped training on Wednesday because of a thigh problem but the injury is not considered serious and he should be fit to start. With so much at stake, Bilić will not be taking chances. "Only players who are 100 per cent fit will play," he said. "Israel still have an opportunity of qualifying so it will be a difficult match, but we know where we are in the table and we're not afraid of being the favourites. It will only motivate us. We are ready to win."