Eddie Lewis not to take part in Saturday's friendly match at South Africa

Derby midfielder Eddie Lewis is not going to participate in Saturday's friendly at South Africa.

Photo: Eddie Lewis not to take part in Saturday's friendly match at South Africa

The 33-year-old Lewis had been picked for Saturday's match in Johannesburg, but Rams manager Billy Davies wants to keep the winger fresh for his team's fight to stay in the Premier League. The U.S. soccer federation said Tuesday that Lewis would be left off the roster.

"What with all the traveling and the nature of the game, we thought it would be best to keep him here," Davies said Tuesday.

Derby is bottom of the Premier League after winning just one of 13 games, of which Lewis has played eight.

Benny Feilhaber, who has played just three games this season for Derby, will still join the U.S. squad.

"Benny will go as it will be good for him to be involved and get the minutes on the pitch," Davies said.

The U.S. team plays Sweden on Jan. 19 at Carson, California, and Mexico on Feb. 6 in a friendly at Houston.