Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is expecting Ryan Babel to feature in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Middlesbrough, following the Netherlands’ elimination from the Olympics.
Benitez was far from happy at the Dutchman’s inclusion in his nation’s Olympic panel after he suffered an ankle injury on the eve of Euro 2008.
Liverpool were hoping that a restful summer would see Babel fit for the opening day of the season. However, having seen his recovery progress at a rapid rate, Dutch Olympic coach Foppe de Haan decided to include the 21-yrear-old in his squad for the Beijing games.
Following their defeat to Argentina at the quarter final stage last week, the Dutch panel are now free to rejoin their club sides.
Middlesbrough are the opposition for the Reds on Saturday, and Benitez expects the ex-Ajax man to take part.
He told the club’s official website: "It's bad news for Holland that they went out but it means we get a player back. 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."
Babel failed to illuminate Anfield in his first season with Liverpool. The winger came with a hefty price tag from Ajax, but made only 15 Premier League starts last season. Benitez hopes that this season will be different for Babel, given that he is one year older and wiser.
“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," he stated.
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