Liverpool's Benitez allows Babel, Lucas and Javier to stay in Beijing

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Suggestions Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva would be told to return to England have been discounted by club sources.

Babel: Set to join Holland's quest for Olympic gold

The argument has centred around the fact the Olympics do not figure in the FIFA schedule.

But Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has taken the view that although he would ideally like to have all his players available for next week's Champions League qualifier and the first day of the Premier League season, he has no intention of denying his young stars the chance of a lifetime to win an Olympic medal.

Liverpool declined to comment officially today on the surprise ruling but Benitez has let it be known he does not want to upset his three players who are about to start the tournament later this week, particularly Mascherano, who wants to win a second gold medal with Argentina.

To recall them now would certainly leave Benitez with three very unhappy players, all of whom have made it clear they want to be in China.

A club source said: 'Liverpool want to make it clear that they have no intention of denying their players their wish of playing in the tournament.'