I think Carlos is enjoying his football more than ever this season. With last seasons watershed behind him, his hunger and desire are back and it's great to see. With regard to the armband, if you were to ask him, I'm sure that he'd prefer things as they are. He will direct as and when necessary in his area of the pitch, without having the overall responsibility of the captaincy. I think that suits him just fine. If other players respond to that, then that's even better.
Sooner Sergio gets firing on all cylinders though, the better!