William Gallas will return to the Arsenal squad for Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev at the Emirates Stadium, but has been replaced as captain by Cesc Fabregas.
The controversial defender was axed from the trip to Manchester City on Saturday, which Arsene Wenger's men lost 3-0 as their Barclays Premier League title hopes were dealt another blow, after publicly making critical remarks about the team and questioning their fighting spirit.
However, Wenger - who named goalkeeper Manuel Almunia his captain at Eastlands - maintained former Chelsea defender Gallas, 31, still had a future at the club.
Although the Arsenal manager refused to discuss the reasons behind the player's absence, Wenger confirmed Gallas would be reinstated, but not in a leadership role on Tuesday night.
"William will play against Kiev, but the captain of the team will be Fabregas," said the Arsenal boss.
"I do not think I have to especially explain why I make the decisions, but it is a permanent thing."
Wenger felt it had been an "interesting" few days for Arsenal, whose season is threatening to unravel.....