Forgiven Gallas praised by Wenger in bid to retain Arsenal armband

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Arsene Wenger has hinted that he will stick with William Gallas as captain after admitting that the Frenchman had to bear too much responsibility at times last season.

Gallas took some of the team's setbacks personally as Arsenal's title challenge faltered, including his infamous sit-down protest after the 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

But the Arsenal manager believes his fellow countryman has the qualities to lead. 'I think he has done quite well last year for the biggest part of the season and a lot of responsibility has been given to him when it wasn't right,' said Wenger.

Gallas could make his first appearance of the summer as Arsenal wind up their 10-day loop of Europe at Stuttgart on Wednesday night, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie and £11.5million new signing Samir Nasri all expected to play.

Arsenal's pre-season tour has been very low key and Wenger says the club will continue to resist following Manchester United and Chelsea on money-spinning trips to far-flung destinations.

After racing out of the blocks last season, Wenger hopes Arsenal can again steal a march on Chelsea, who are in the middle of a gruelling tour to China, Malaysia and Russia, and United, who have just returned from Africa.

Wenger said: 'Man United and Chelsea are used to coping with that kind of tour. We prepare the way we think suits us and we like to come to Austria.'