Benitez fears Babel Olympic call

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez fears that winger Ryan Babel could be called up by the Netherlands for the Olympics soon after recovering from an ankle injury.

The problem saw Babel miss Euro 2008 and Benitez said he wanted a fully-fit player available for the season ahead.

"We're really worried because after getting him fit it's likely we could lose him again if he's selected for the Olympics," said Benitez.

"It's a big problem. We prepare him and then he goes with the national team."

Babel is back in training, and Benitez said he was expecting the 21-year-old to make a major impact in his second season in English football.

"We're pleased that Ryan is coming back to training because he's an important player for us," said Benitez.

"He has worked hard to recover from the injury he suffered with Holland.

"In his first season he was settling in but now we're looking for him to give something from the start.

"So it is really important for him to start working with his team."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Football on the BBC
Liverpool fans' views on 606
BBC Liverpool
Liverpool weather
BBC Sport Premier League
Liverpool
2008 Olympics
KNVB (Dutch Football Association)
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites