Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Benitez To Have Two Olympians Back For Next Match


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is pleased that two of his three Olympians are set to return from China in time for the Reds’ next game, against Middlesbrough.

Rafael Benitez will be welcoming back at least two of the club’s players who have been representing their countries at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Ryan Babel will definitely be available for selection for Saturday's game with Middlesbrough after Holland lost their quarter-final to Argentina, who have fellow-Red Javier Mascherano in their side.

Brazil, who have Liverpool midfielder Lucas in their squad, will play arch-rivals Argentina in the all-South American semi-final tomorrow, so either Lucas or Mascherano will be at Anfield ahead of the Boro game.

Benitez told the Mail Online: “It has been good for the three players to be involved in the Olympics and we are proud of them.

“But it is also good for Liverpool that Argentina and Brazil clash in the last four, because only one of our lads will be in the final.”

Liverpool’s season got off to winning start without their three Olympians, when the Reds won 1-0 away to Sunderland on Saturday, thanks to a late Fernando Torres goal.

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