Injured Vieira unlikely to start

Patrick Vieira is unlikely to be seen in action for at least two weeks despite turning down Real Madrid to stay at Arsenal.

The Gunners captain is still struggling with a thigh injury sustained at Euro 2004 but France team-mates Thierry Henry (Achilles) and Robert Pires (calf) are in the Gunners squad for Sunday’s Premiership opener at Everton.

However manager Arsene Wenger is concerned they are less than 100% match-fit and the same applies to winger Freddie Ljungberg (ribs).

Sol Campbell is still out with Achilles trouble and young striker Jeremie Aliadiere is sidelined for three months with a knee ligament injury from last Sunday’ Community Shield. Dennis Bergkamp looks set to captain the champions as they go for their 41st consecutive unbeaten league match.

With Brazilian Edu still on a break after Copa America duty, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 17, looks likely to figure again at Goodison Park. Newcomer Mathieu Flamini from Marseille has received international clearance and is also in the squad.

Team (from): Lehmann, Lauren, Toure, Cygan, Cole, Pennant, Gilberto, Fabregas, Flamini, Ljungberg, Svard, Hoyte, Bergkamp, Reyes, Henry, Van Persie, Senderos, Almunia.