Holland want Babel for Olympics, ruling him out of Liverpool's start

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The winger was ruled out of Holland's Euro 2008 campaign after tearing ligaments in training on Saturday, but national coach Marco van Basten insists he should be fit by August.

"He needs five to seven weeks to recover," Van Basten said of the former Ajax youngster.

Wanted: Ryan Babel is injured for Euro 2008 but Holland want the Liverpool winger for the Olympics in Beijing.

If Babel recovers by August, the Dutch will want him to play in China.

Coach Ari Haan said: "With his qualities, Ryan is a vital player for our plans."

Talking about Babel's injury, Van Basten added: "He was on the other end of the field when he turned around. He told me that he heard something snap, and others heard it too.

"He went to a hospital and there it became clear he had torn a muscle."

Babel's appearance in Beijing would clash with the start of the Premier League season and cause another headache for Rafael Benitez.

The Liverpool boss is also set be without Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is being lined up as an over-age player.

Liverpool could even lose Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva as the South Americans are now considering calling him up.

Liverpool's next confirmed match is a friendly away to Villarreal on July 30, by which time, if the Holland coach's assessment is right, Babel should be back in training.