Lyon rest players before Milan game

Four of Lyon's first team players, including Sylvain Wiltord, seen here 29 March 2006, will be rested from Saturday's French league action, coach Gerard Houllier confirmed, because of their big return match at AC Milan next week.

Four of Lyon's first team players will be rested from Saturday's French league action, coach Gerard Houllier confirmed, because of their big return match at AC Milan next week.

Houllier said striker Sylvain Wiltord, Brazilian Cris, Eric Abidal and Francois Clerc would not play at Troyes as part of their preparation for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg at the San Siro stadium.

"The Troyes match is part of our preparation for the trip to AC Milan as was the case when we played Ajaccio before meeting PSV Eindhoven (in the Champions League first knock-out round)," Houllier said after Friday training.

Houllier said players brought in against Troyes would be rewarded for a good performance. "The players who replace those rested will have an opportunity to show their value," he said, adding: "This match against Troyes is a very important one with the title in mind."

Lyon are nine points ahead of second-placed Bordeaux with seven matches left and eventual success would earn an unprecedented feat of five consecutive French league crowns.

Lyon drew 1-1 at home to Toulouse at the weekend while Bordeaux beat visitors Nice 1-0 to cut Lyon's lead by two points.

"The draw against Toulouse was not a bad result but a frustrating one," Houllier continued. "We therefore need a really good result on Saturday and then do the same again in our Champions League match.

"We aren't scoring goals and there are striking places up for grabs but we are defending well. We just have to keep at it and at some point we will start scoring."