Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists William Gallas has not played his last game for the club.
The centre-half has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after picking up a medial knee ligament injury on Tuesday.
The Frenchman suffered the setback while in UEFA Champions League action for the Gunners against Villarreal.
The 31-year-old has endured a difficult 2008/09 campaign, with the injury blow capping a disappointing period in his career.
Reports of dressing room unrest and controversial outbursts saw Gallas' future called into question during the January transfer window, but he opted to remain in north London.
He has, however, made no secret of his desire to end his playing days back in his homeland, with speculation of a return to Ligue 1 likely to resurface over the summer.
Wenger, though, is keen to keep his compatriot at Emirates Stadium and is confident the experienced defender will form part of his plans next term.
"That's a big question. He has one year of his contract to go and I envisage him to be here next year," Wenger said in the Daily Express.
"He had a challenging season and he has certainly had to cope with a major disappointment.
"But we have to give him a lot of credit, because he came back with great performances, so he dealt well with the situation.
"He's played very well. And he's turned up in the big games with goals when it matters so that is very important."
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