Headlines NEWS

Benitez delighted with Babel return

Published by Zac Lee Rigg on August 20, 2008

Ryan Babel and the Netherlands have crashed out of the Olympics, but there’s an upside for Liverpool. The pacey attacker will return to Anfield, and manager Rafa Benitez is looking forward to using him once again.

“It’s bad news for Holland that they went out but it means we get a player back,” said Benitez according to Liverpoolfc.tv.

“Hopefully he can be here either today or tomorrow to train with the rest of his team-mates.

“He has been playing important games so I don’t think there will be any problems with his fitness, but our doctor and fitness coaches will check with him and then we will see about the weekend. I am sure he will be okay. If he trains normally then he can be available for Middlesbrough.”

Having spent a season acclimatising to life in English football, Benitez feels Babel can have a big part to play in Liverpool’s quest for honours this year.

“He’s one year older and more experienced now,” he added. “He knows the club, he knows his team-mates and so I’m sure this could be a big season for him.”

Benitez also gave a hint as to how much he rates Babel when he added: “He’s one year older and more experienced now. He knows the club, he knows his team-mates and so I’m sure this could be a big season for him.”

Readers Rating: