Despite the signing of Steve Finnan and the continued presence of Jamie Carragher, Houllier insists that Babbel's encouraging display against Cologne could be the start of a return to favour for the 30-year-old defender - though he admits that the ex-Bayern Munich man may be hindered by a four-match ban to be served for a previous offence in reserve team action last season.
Houllier said: "Everyone comes back to training at the same level and gets the same chance.
"The unfortunate thing from Markus' point of view is he is suspended for the first four games of the new season anyway because he was sent off in a reserve match at the end of last season