Lyon prepare for new era without dynamic duo Benzema and Juninho

PARIS: Olympique Lyon coach Claude Puel is under no illusions that his side face a monumental task to reclaim a Ligue 1 title they owned for seven successive seasons without their two most influential players.

Lyon were almost untouchable for a golden period from 2002 to 2008 but relinquished their crown to Girondins Bordeaux last season and embark on a new campaign this weekend unable to call on the services of striker Karim Benzema and playmaker Juninho.

"It's true that those two players were decisive and bore a lot of responsibilities but now we have to live without them," Puel said of the pair, who were Lyon's top scorers in a disappointing season in which they finished third.