Wiltord gets Lyon lifeline

Wiltord, 33, fell out with former manager Gerard Houllier and then chairman Jean-Michael Aulas and failed to travel with the squad to the pre-season Peace Cup in South Korea as he tried to arrange a move away from the six-time Ligue 1 champions.

But, after a change of heart, the former France, Arsenal and Bordeaux man flew East and linked up with his team mates.

"Wiltord is coming," said boss Alain Perrin. "It is good. We are going to try to sign him up for the tournament and that will allow us to work with him."

Wiltord's actions will not be held against him according to Perrin, who - after losing Florent Malouda to Chelsea - is keen to hold onto his experienced players, particularly in the attacking positions, following injuries to Milan Baros and Fred.

"He will be treated like any other player," he continued.

"I have no problem with him - if he stays, I think he will be of service to us.

"On the pitch, he has a superb attitude. He is a leader, an intelligent player. We now have to see how he fits back into the squad."

Even outspoken supremo Aulas is willing to forgive Wiltord, saying that the player is invited to discuss his future.

"I am not vindictive. What interests me is the future, not the past," he claimed.

"We will have a discussion, face to face."