The Frenchman blasted Taylor, saying he should be banned for life, but he has now retracted his post-match comments.

"It was a highly emotional afternoon and we were all shocked by the injury to Eduardo," said Wenger.

"On reflection, I feel that my comments about Martin Taylor were excessive. I said what I did immediately after the game, in the heat of the moment."

Wenger was left irate in the aftermath of the Gunners' 2-2 draw at Birmingham, which was marred by Eduardo's horror leg break.

"The tackle was horrendous and this guy should never play football again," he said earlier.

Eduardo's injury means he will miss Croatia's Euro 2008 campaign next summer, but Wenger is worried about a prolonged absence.

"It was a massive shock for the team. They've seen what kind of state he was in," Wenger added.

"He's a fantastic guy and to see him in such pain and the shape of his leg was very difficult for the players.

"We hope he comes back quickly but the minimum is his season is over and we are scared that it is much longer."

Arsenal players including, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb appeared to be shocked after the incident, which was too horrific that Sky television opted not to provide any replays.