Wenger not letting the smoke get in his eyes

Arsenal captain William Gallas has recovered from his thigh injury and returns to lead his side for the clash at West Ham.

William Gallas should return to lead the Arsenal defence against West Ham.

LONDON // Arsenal captain William Gallas has recovered from his thigh injury and returns to lead his side for today's Premier League clash at West Ham. He suffered the injury while on on international duty for France but his time away has allowed the defender time to regain focus after what had been some "tired" performances this season. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, may have been less than impressed to see his captain pictured with a cigarette as he left a nightclub but, nevertheless, he has been impressed by Gallas' motivation and willingness to "readdress his attitude".

Gallas, 31, was a controversial choice to succeed Thierry Henry as the club's captain. However, the former Chelsea defender has enough experience not to let that worry him and to instead look at the bigger picture. "Yes it is true I have been in trouble, but I do not think it has been that way for every game," he said. "I am the first man to judge myself when I have had a bad game. I always try to do my best and sometimes it doesn't work, but the most important thing is the squad and the club.

"If my performances are so-so and Arsenal win the eague, I think everybody will be happy." Robinho is relishing the physical challenge of the Premier League with Manchester City, according to his manager Mark Hughes The Brazilian is sure to be given a tough time by Stoke at Eastlands today, but Hughes is confident Robinho is up to the challenge. Hughes said: "It doesn't faze him. Teams could very well try to stop him playing but if that happens I expect the other good players I have to come to the fore."

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