Gallas back for Arsenal against Kiev

William Gallas was named in Arsenal's team for Tuesday's Champions League Group G home match against Dynamo Kiev, four days after being stripped of the club captaincy.

Manager Arsene Wenger brought back the 31-year-old Gallas after he was dropped for Saturday's 3-0 league defeat at Manchester City.

Cesc Fabregas will be skipper for the first time against Kiev after being named as the club's new captain on Monday.

France defender Gallas was disciplined after making media comments in which he questioned the bravery of the Arsenal players and criticised one unnamed player in particular.

"I believe that William is respected by the players here and they know he is a guy who is honest and committed," Wenger said in his programme notes.

"William was under too much pressure and now he is no longer captain I think it could help him to be an even better player.

"It's not easy when you are singled out no matter what you do and I'm confident he will be an even bigger asset now."

Arsenal, missing nine first-team players through injury, will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Kiev.