Babel back for Benitez

Winger to return to action after Olympic Games exit

By James Dall   Last updated: 20th August 2008

Ryan Babel Liverpool FC Lucerne Pre Season Friendly

Babel: Set for Boro return

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful of having Ryan Babel at his disposal for Saturday's Premier League clash against Middlesbrough.

Babel is set to be available to feature versus Boro following Holland's elimination from the Olympic Games in Beijing at the quarter-final stage.

The 21-year-old forward signed for the Anfield club from Ajax last summer, and has been tipped for a more prominent role in the Liverpool starting XI this season after making 15 league starts in the 2007/08 term.

"It's bad news for Holland that they went out but it means we get a player back," Benitez told the club's official website.

Big season

"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."

The Spaniard 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."