Rafa concern at Babel call

Liverpool manager eager for winger to avoid Olympic trip

Last updated: 9th July 2008

Rafa concern at Babel call

Benitez: Keen to keep Babel

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits it would be a 'big problem' if Ryan Babel is selected for Holland's squad for the Olympic Games.

The winger is returning to pre-season training with the Reds after recovering from the torn ankle ligaments he suffered while on international duty ahead of Euro 2008.

Babel joined Liverpool in a £11.5million move from Ajax in July 2007 and, after settling into life in the Premier League last term, big things are expected of the 21-year-old.

And Benitez admits that the potential loss of Babel to the Games in Beijing for up to a month from late July would be a major blow.

"Obviously, we are really pleased that Ryan is coming back to training," Benitez - who is also set to be without Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano and possibly Emiliano Insua - told the Liverpool Echo.

Important

"He is an important player for us and he has worked hard to recover from the injury he suffered with Holland.

"But we are really worried because after getting him fit again it is likely that we could lose him again if he is selected for the Olympics. This is a big problem - we prepare him and then he goes away with the national team.

"This season is very important for him. In his first season he was settling in but this time he has more experience and we are looking for him to give something from the beginning so it is really important for him to start working with his team."

Should Babel go to Beijing he will miss Liverpool's opening league games away at Sunderland on 16th August and at home to Middlesbrough seven days later.

Babel would also be absent for the third round qualification tie for the UEFA Champions League on 12th and 27th August.