Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is 'top of the list' in Holland's plans for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Liverpool winger could be called up for Beijing Games
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is 'top of the list' in Holland's plans for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Babel has been ruled out of Euro 2008 after tearing ankle ligaments, but Holland's Olympic coach Ari Haan has revealed that, if fit, the 21-year-old will be selected for the Games in Beijing, which run from 8th-24th August.
If Babel is called up, Liverpool will be forced to allow the player to participate and the news will come as a major blow to Reds boss Rafa Benitez, who is already resigned to losing Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva and Argentina winger Sebastian Leto.
Benitez could also be without Argentine international Javier Mascherano for the 16th August start to next season and Haan's praise of Babel could come as another setback.
"If Ryan is fit he will be at the top of our list for the competition," Haan said in the
Daily Mirror.
"With his qualities, Ryan is a vital player for our plans."
