Babbel's illness hell
The German defender was struck down by the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome and has spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines, waging a gritty fight to return to fitness.
Such is the severity of the illness, that one in ten sufferers die but Babbel has shown a fiery determination to overcome the debilitating effects.
He has not played for The Reds since August when he complained of tiredness but it was not until two months later that Babbel was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
"It started with Manchester United in the Charity Shield and then the Super Cup against Bayern Munich in Monaco," said Babbel.
"I was really tired after the games and I said to people 'This is unbelievable. Last season I played 60 games and had no problems. Now I am desperately tired.'
"Then at half-time against Bolton on August 28 I told the boss to leave me out, I had lost all my power. I felt so tired and I didn't know what was happening.
"I went to Germany for a check and they found that my immune system was low, it was something called Epstein virus which is not so bad. I came back after two months and resumed training.
"Then the nervous system was struck. It was not normal. My feet were hurting and I had lost my power.
"I said to myself something is seriously wrong. I went back to Germany and saw a doctor recommended by Didi Hamann. Within 30 seconds, he said I had this illness."
Babbel also admitted that such was the detorioration in his condition that several people feared for his life, and he even had a priest visit the hospital to say prayers.
However, Babbel's iron will enabled him to turn the corner in his fight against the illness and he is now back training at Anfield.
He has also been offered a new contract by the Premiership title-chasers and the 29-year-old is eager to repay the club's faith.
"Always in my mind I knew I would come back. I knew all the time that this illness would not stop me," he added.
"I just kept thinking I want to play at Anfield again. I want to play for this beautiful club, the best in the world.
"That was my target, my motivation.When you are a sportsman, you know how to a fight.
"The fans and the club have been so good to me, I got a new contract when I was in the middle of the illness, now I have to give something back.
"I have had so much luck in my life I am not bitter. You can't stay always in the sunshine. Sometimes you need the rain to make you appreciate the sun.
"I am a footballer but this is the biggest game I have faced. I hope I can win it."
