Such is the precarious position of Arsenal's season, Eduardo's probable return tonight is viewed by many at Emirates Stadium more as a vital necessity than a welcome reintroduction.

When the Croatian striker broke his leg in horrific circumstances at Birmingham almost exactly a year ago, the Gunners were top of the Premier League courtesy of a breathtaking brand of football.

But their season imploded thereafter and the 25-year-old re-enters the fray with his team-mates' sights lowered from the League title to a battle for fourth place, leaving only the FA Cup and the Champions League as realistic chances of salvaging a disappointing campaign.

Emmanuel Adebayor's likely month-long absence with a hamstring problem will further exacerbate a somewhat toothless attack that has failed to score in three of their last four games.

After an encouraging return for his country last week, Arsenal's No9 is almost certain to feature against Cardiff in tonight's FA Cup fourth-round replay in north London.

While an expectant Emirates Stadium crowd will be hopeful of an immediate impact, Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae, who suffered a broken leg three years ago, says it will take time for him to regain top form.

"It was a horrific injury to Eduardo and a blow for the team because before it he showed the quality he had," said Rae. "I had it myself and was out for about 18 months. I know how hard it is to go through.

"But he will definitely be back because he is only a young lad with considerable potential and he will have all the opportunities a club like Arsenal can give him to reach his best form."

Manager Arsene Wenger attempted to play down the Brazilian-born forward's return, hinting he could start on the bench against last season's FA Cup finalists. "He is back and ready to go," said the Gunners boss. "I don't know [about Cardiff]. But I don't want to promise anything."

Eduardo will not be the only player eager to start as Aaron Ramsey produced a poor display against his former club in the first meeting at Ninian Park.The 18-year-old made a £5million move last summer and despite considerable progress under Wenger, Ramsey seemed to wilt against the combative pressure of Rae and Joe Ledley in the heart of midfield.

"I was a little surprised he was nervous because he is not that sort of lad," said Rae. "But he certainly didn't play as well as he could have done. Being on the home team, he will want to stamp his authority on the game as well. But if he plays, we will have to try and stop him. There was a lot of hype surrounding his return to Ninian.

"I didn't think he was the type to get affected by that but maybe that day it did influence his game."

Cardiff are unbeaten since November after a run that has taken them to fifth place in the Championship. Despite the club's financial difficulties off the pitch, Rae warned Arsenal not to underestimate Dave Jones's team.

"If we had taken our chances in the first game and nicked a goal, you never know what could have happened," said the 31-year-old. "A lot of people say that if you get a big team at home and you don't beat them, your chance has gone but we can still do it.

"We have been working well as a unit and are very difficult to beat. We have been getting results when we have not been playing well at times on this run which is a good sign.

"It's a difficult place to go but we are playing with a lot of confidence."

Arsenal have struggled to break teams down at home of late and Eduardo could just provide the answer. For all Robin van Persie's ability, the Dutchman is not the most decisive in front of goal and Eduardo's clinical finishing can provide something Nicklas Bendtner and Adebayor may not.

But his game relies on match sharpness and it would be self-defeating to expect too much straight away from a player who, while showing flashes of genuine quality, was still acclimatising to the rigours of English football when suffering his shocking injury.

However, time is against Arsenal after a turbulent season to date and a speedy return to form from one of the club's most promising players could make Da Silva all gold for Wenger.