Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also confirmed that Gallas will play in the Gunners' Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night, with the armband passing to Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Speaking at an eagerly anticipated press conference, Wenger affirmed: "Fabregas will be the captain, permanently. I do not have to explain to you why.

"I believe the captain is the voice of the club towards the outside, and is one of the leaders of the team.

"Cesc is young, yes, but I do not believe in just one man in the dressing-room who sorts out all of the problems.

"A successful team has shared leadership and Fabregas will be one of the leaders - not the only one."

Asked if he regretted making Gallas skipper in the first place, the wily gaffer replied, "No.

"Gallas will play on Tuesday; he's a player who I rate and admire. He was under big pressure from the press and you do not want that high pressure to affect him or the team.

"However, he can come back stronger now.

"Will he leave in January? Suggestions are suggestions," he said sketchily.

The key events that led Wenger to relieving him of his duties included the defender's sit-down protest at Birmingham City last season, his tabloid-friendly partying and, finally, his behind-the-scenes exposé which hinted at inter-squad tensions.