Babel back against Boro

Ryan Babel is expected to feature in Saturday’s Premier League game against Middlesbrough at Anfield after Netherlands’ were knocked out in the Olympics.

Rafael Benitez didn’t want the Dutchman to go to the Olympics itself after he missed Euro 2009 due to an ankle injury.

Middlesbrough will come to Anfield on Saturday and Rafa Benitez hopes that he would be available.

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 was signed from Ajax last year but made only 15 Premier League starts. Rafa Benitez thinks that this would be the make or break season for Babel.

“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 said.