Arsenal Football Club

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60432

Gallas set for swift return

24 Nov 2008 - 08:03:33

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Arsene Wenger could hand William Gallas an immediate return to the Arsenal squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv, but the controversial defender is unlikely to skipper the side.

The outspoken France defender was dropped from the squad for Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City following his public criticism of team-mates during the week.

Gallas claimed he was frustrated with a lack of respect among a squad he also accused of lacking desire.

"We are not brave enough in battle. I think we need to be soldiers. We have to be warriors," he said.

Wenger refused to discuss Gallas' conduct after the loss at the City of Manchester Stadium, but it is believed the 31-year-old defender has been stripped of the club captaincy.

Wenger did suggest Gallas still had a future with the Gunners during a guarded press conference and reports claim he is in line for an immediate return on Tuesday after taking part in a training session with the rest of his team-mates on Sunday.

An agitated Wenger said on Saturday: "Of course he has a future at the club.

"I will not speak about William Gallas in a post-match interview. He is a player who did not play today, so what can he do? Nothing.

"Why should we talk about Cesc Fabregas and the other nine players who are not here?

"We can go on until midnight and I will give the same answer to the same question."