However, according to Edu's official website, he arrived in the Dominican Republic yesterday afternoon and "presented himself to Brazilian national squad manager Carlos Alberto Parreira".

Hard to know what to make of this. Edu missed last weekend's match because he was resting after a playing trip to South America. Presumably he may well miss Arsenal's next match for the same reason. Was the Independent's story in error, has Dein changed his mind, or has Edu gone against his club's wishes? One of the first 2 options, I suspect. What about Gilberto, is he there too?

The Haiti-Brazil match is tomorrow afternoon at 5pm (UK time).

Rupe adds...
It sounds like Edu might have gone partly to keep his national boss sweet. Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is quoted as criticising Milan for not releasing Kaka, Cafu, and Dida. But more significantly, he criticises the players for not making more of an effort: "at a moment like this, the players have to squeeze the club a bit."

Sounds like the match is quite a big deal. Parreira says, "This game (against Haiti) is a bit different. A little bit of good will was missing and as well as an understanding of the importance of this game." The match was arranged by the Brazilian government with the aim of promoting peace between warring factions in Haiti. Because of unrest in the country (there was a bloody rebellion in February followed by a US takeoever followed in June by the arrival of a UN peacekeeping force led by Brazilian troops), the Brazil squad are staying in the Dominican Republic and just opping over the border for the match accompanied by soldiers for protection. Can't help wondering if perhaps the potential danger was a factor for Dein, Milan, and Cafa Kaku and Dido.

The Milan trio are no listed in the squad but Gilberto still is, so we're assuming that he's there too.