Lyon looking for striker

Lyon are on the look-out for a new striker after Karim Benzema suffered a thigh injury.

The 18-year-old picked up the problem during last Friday's 2-1 victory over Valenciennes and has been ruled out up to for two months.

Sidney Govou was also injured against Valenciennes and may have to sit out Lyon'a next two games.

With Brazilian forward Fred already sidelined Houllier admits he is in need of reinforcements.

"We need a large group if we want to do well in our competitions, so signing a striker seems necessary to me," Houiller told L'Equipe.

"This question will become a priority for chairman Jean-Michel Aulas, I think.

Aulas added: "We will have to pick a player that hasn't appeared yet in the UEFA Champions League."

The French champions are believed to be interested in Ajax's Markus Rosenberg, while Javier Saviola of Barcelona has also emerged as a possible target.

Houllier's hunt for a new striker is likely to further fuel rumours linking John Carew with a move away from Stade de Gerland.

The Norwegian international has not been a regular in Lyon's side this season and again started on the bench against Valenciennes.

He has been linked with a switch to Russian outfit CSKA Moscow in January, but Houllier has played down talk of a transfer.

"There is no problem with John Carew. If he didn't start against Valenciennes, it is just because I thought he was not right for the game. That's all," Houllier insisted.