Essien named in opening squad

Lyon Coach G?rard Houllier has named wantaway Cheslea-target Michael Essien in his squad for the champions? trip to Le Mans.

Despite Essien's repeated claims that he no longer wants to play for the quadruple champions, new Coach Houllier has named the Ghanaian in a 17-man squad to make the trip to the Ligue 1 new boys.

?The door isn?t completely shut and we?ll soon know more about his future, but for now he?s still a Lyon player,? said Houllier.

?He?s part of our squad and the squad?s objective is to win our first match of the season at Le Mans.?

Meanwhile, Le Mans can count on new Brazilian Tilio De Melo after the Brazilian federation ratified the attacker?s 12-month loan to the French club. De Melo will almost certainly make his home debut against Lyon.