It’s the time of year for resurrections. Sadly even the most devout believer would find it difficult to keep faith with Eduardo.

Fears about injuries are often hyped - Vermaelen broken leg shock horror (not), Rooney out of World Cup sensation (not) - but the worst predictions about Eduardo seem to be coming true.

It’s now over two years since we all feared the Crozilian’s career could be over. On his return to the reserves in December 2008, 10 months after the injury, Wenger foresaw the future:

"For him to be back playing in the first team will not be a physical problem, it will be more a psychological hurdle to go back into the fight. For a striker, the goal is about the fraction of a second he was ahead of the defender. Any reluctance to go into contact takes that away and then you do not score any more."

And so it has proved. Moving forward another 15 months Eduardo is a pathetic shadow of his former self. He appears to be physically, psychologically and emotionally scarred. His performance against Wolves provided clear evidence. With his half hearted attempts to go for 50/50 balls and avoidance of tackles he is in danger of further injury.

Every Gooner, and every decent football fan, has huge sympathy with the player who has done well to survive his horrendous injuries. He’s managed six goals in 30 appearances, almost half as a sub, but the impact he has on a match is minimal to put it politely.

There is only one logical conclusion which Arsene must draw. Eduardo will never recover sufficiently to play top class football again. It’s tragic but true and denying this fact will not help the player or the team.