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LONDON, March 2 (Reuters) - Arsenal striker Eduardo said the quick work of physio Gary Lewin after he had broken his leg against Birmingham City last week could have saved his career.
The Brazilian-born Croatia international suffered a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his ankle joint after a tackle by Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor.
Eduardo, 25, is likely to be out for nine months but Arsenal expect him to make a full recovery.
"The injury was so grave I could have lost my foot," he told the News of the World.
"So I will always be grateful to Gary for what he did in lowering the risk to my leg. That was decisive. I do not remember too much about the blow.
"I remember the pain, seeing that my foot had rotated, but I only recaptured my senses in hospital."
Eduardo was visited in hospital by Taylor and has accepted his apologies for the tackle which has ruled him out of the Euro 2008 finals in June.
"All I could do was look at his face I was totally pre-occupied," said Eduardo.
"I wanted to believe what Taylor said and to think that what happened was an unfortunate accident.
"I had to look at him. I could not understand how anyone could make a tackle like that in only the third minute of a game.
"But in the end I believed that Taylor was sincere and I accepted his excuses.
"Even though he had destroyed my season it would be incredible to think that what he did was pre-meditated."
WORST BLOW
Eduardo said not being able to represent Croatia in Euro 2008 was "the worst blow" but he was heartened by the many messages of support from his club and international team mates.
"I will miss Arsenal's race for the title and the Champions League campaign but, most of all, my first European Championship with Croatia. That is the worst blow," he said.
"Euro 2008 was a big dream. To qualify was one of the best moments in my life but I am only 25 and I can play in other Euros. That's what is in my head."
