Former Arsenal duo Gilberto Silva and Julio Baptista have been announced in Brazil’s 22 man squad set to face the Republic of Ireland at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday 2nd March.
The samba pair had varying degrees of success during their spells in north London with defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva a heroic part of the Arsenal ‘invincible’ side which went 49 Premier League games unbeaten while compatriot Baptista earned plaudits for his four goal haul in a memorable Carling Cup game at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.
Both Brazilians left Arsenal in 2008 with Gilberto moving to Greek side Panathinaikos and Baptista returning to Real Madrid before switching to Serie A side AS Roma.
Former Arsene Wenger transfer target, Felipe Melo, has also been called-up by coach Dunga as the South American side begin their World Cup preparations ahead of the summer showpiece tournament in South Africa.
The Brazil squad in full is:
Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)
Doni (AS Roma)
Maicon (Inter Milan)
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)
Lúcio (Inter Milan)
Juan (AS Roma)
Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Luisão (Benfica)
Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Gilberto (Cruzeiro)
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos)
Felipe Melo (Juventus)
Josué (Wolfsburg)
Kleberson (Flamengo)
Ramires (Benfica)
Julio Baptista (AS Roma)
Elano (Galatasaray)
Kaká (Real Madrid)
Robinho (Santos)
Nilmar (Villarreal)
Luís Fabiano (Sevilla)
Adriano (Flamengo)