Babel admits fitness fears

Liverpool winger reveals concern ahead of Chelsea clash

Last updated: 23rd October 2008

Ryan Babel Liverpool

Babel: Not fully fit

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Liverpool ace Ryan Babel admits he is not 100 per cent fit ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea.

The Dutchman made a brief appearance off the bench during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Babel missed last weekend's win over Wigan with an ankle injury he suffered on international duty with Holland and concedes that he is still some way off peak fitness.

The former Ajax man believes the top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, will show how far Liverpool have come this season as they look to mount a serious title challenge.

"We will see how far we are now," Babel told Sky Sports News. "We are a little bit unlucky we do not have everybody fit of course, even myself I am not 100 per cent like I am supposed to be.

"No excuses, we will see what happens on Sunday."

Confidence

Babel is unsure if he will be included from the start against Chelsea, but he insists he is ready and willing to do whatever Rafa Benitez wants.

"I am not sure [about starting] but of course if the boss needs me I will be 100 per cent," added Babel.

Babel admits Liverpool will make the trip to West London full of confidence after an unbeaten start to the season and knows a win at Chelsea would give them an even bigger lift.

"I think as a group the confidence is very high at the moment and if you can win at Chelsea it would be a good boost and we will see what happens," concluded Babel.