But against Southampton tonight the defender will take another huge step in his quest for full fitness, and Babbel is convinced that he can use his remaining three and a half years on his contract, and beyond, to repay those that stood by him.
"I intend giving something back to the club," said Babbel.
"I've had a one-year break and so I can play for one year longer. I have a contract for three-and-a-half years.
I think Liverpool are one of the best clubs in the world. I am so happy and proud to play for them. My dream is to finish my career here.
"I really wanted to come back. My first year at Liverpool had been unbelievable. I like the supporters, I like the stadium. I especially like walking out for a game and I wanted to feel that again. I don't like sitting in the stands watching. I like to be on the pitch."
"It's at times like that when you realise just how good a club like Liverpool is," recalls Babbel.
"They felt it would help me to recover if I knew the club was behind me. It was a great moment for me and it showed the club had a human side."
"A month or so ago my head was a little bit down because I thought I could play. But I saw the players on a different level to mine.
"Now, though, I think I am on the same level. I am so hungry to play. I had never been injured more than four weeks and now I've been out for over a year.
"I am still very much the old Markus Babbel and football has helped me so much in my recovery. Somebody said to me that playing football can't mean the same as it did before but I believe it may be even more important.
"Football is not just a game to me. I like to win trophies and I want to give something back to the club. I've just been waiting for the moment when the boss says: 'Come on Markus, it's now'."