Babel back in training

Last updated : 10 July 2008 By Al Campbell
The Liverpool forward picked up an ankle injury which ruled him out of Euro 2008. He has now recovered and is taking part in pre-season training with the Reds. However, news of his recovery has a negative side for Liverpool as well as it means Babel will be selected for Holland's Olympic team and will miss the first month of the new season.

"Obviously, we are really pleased that Ryan is coming back to training because he is an important player for us and he has worked hard to recover from the injury he suffered with Holland," said Rafael Benitez.

"But we are really worried because after getting him fit it is likely that we could lose him again if he is selected for the Olympics. This is a big problem - we prepare him and then he goes away with the national team.

"This season is very important for him. In his first season he was settling in but this time he has more experience and we are looking for him to give something from the beginning, so it is really important for him to start working with his team."