Manager Arsene Wenger made the mobile forward his major summer signing, moving for Eduardo in a $17million deal from Dinamo Zagreb following the exit of talisman Thierry Henry for Barcelona.

Arsenal's main goal threat is likely to come from fit-again Robin van Persie.

But with Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor sidelined because of a groin problem, Eduardo could be thrown straight into the fray when the Cottagers come to Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The 24-year-old got his first goal for the Gunners during the Amsterdam Tournament and comes into the English game as the record scorer in the Croatian league.

Eduardo admits he is likely to need some time to get used to the pace of the Barclays Premier League - but cannot wait to get going.

"Everything at Arsenal is great," he said.

"The stadium is great and the training camp is something in my dreams.

"Everything is new around me, but I am not scared of it. I am not afraid of anything.

"I came to score goals, but it is not easy in England. It is up to me to do the same things I did in Zagreb."

Eduardo added: "Even for the best player in the world it is not easy in England.

"Take Andriy Shevchenko at Chelsea as an example. For me he is one of the best strikers in the world, but when he was first in England he found the adaptation hard. Now it is better and better for him.

"I know I have to adapt yet, but I just want to work and work.

"If I give 100% then the goals will come. I just want to satisfy the club and the fans."

Gilberto is another not in contention this weekend, having returned from an extended break following Brazil'sCopa America triumph.

The veteran midfielder stood in as captain when Henry was absent last season.

However, Wenger has decided to make defender William Gallas Arsenal's new skipper.

"[The captain] will be William Gallas," the Gunners boss revealed.

"There will also be two vice-captains, Kolo Toure and Gilberto.

"I feel centre-back is always the best position to lead on the pitch and it is Gallas who has more experience at the back.

"But Gilberto has always been a great captain and Kolo Toure has a stature too.

"I made a decision that I want all those experienced players, along with Jens Lehmann, to be involved off the pitch.

"Players like Jens and Gilberto can play the role of a club captain. They can have a very strong impact mentally on the team. I want them to take on that responsibility."