Arsenal stop pair playing for Brazil

Arsenal will not release Gilberto Silva or Edu to play for Brazil in this week's "peace friendly" in Haiti. The midfielders have been selected to represent their country, even though Edu is still on a rest period following the Copa America.

Arsenal will not release Gilberto Silva or Edu to play for Brazil in this week's "peace friendly" in Haiti. The midfielders have been selected to represent their country, even though Edu is still on a rest period following the Copa America.

David Dein, Arsenal's vice-chairman, says the game has his backing but as it is not a competitive tie, the club will not let them play. If necessary they will appeal to the world game's governing body, Fifa, to get their way. "They won't be playing for Brazil this time," Dein said.

Arsenal start their Premiership title defence at Everton, who could hardly be said to have had the ideal preparation for the season. David Moyes, their manager, has had his work hampered throughout the summer by boardroom problems, but, as so often happens, the cloud is beginning to lift at the dawn of the season.

Wayne Rooney is still at Goodison despite the links with Manchester United, although he is injured, and Bill Kenwright, the chairman, appears to have eased the pressure on his position by announcing that he has found a backer who is willing to put £20 million into the club.

Gary Naysmith, the Scotland defender, has been irritated by the prophets of doom and is confident before facing the champions. He said: "They [Arsenal] were unbeaten all last season, but they have not enjoyed games at Goodison Park over the past few years and they will not enjoy this one either."

Everton drew at home to Arsenal last season and the London club can expect a repeat of the tough tactics that Everton used that day. "You cannot let them settle and keep attacking you, they will eventually score," Naysmith said.