Foppe tries to dupe Reds

Holland's Olympic coach Foppe de Haan has insisted Liverpool have nothing to worry about over Ryan Babel's fitness.

Rafa Benitez was fuming that the Dutch called him into their Olympic squad after Liverpool's expert medical team had worked wonders with the 21-year-old to get him back to fitness from an ankle injury which forced him to miss Euro 2008.

Benitez will be denied the winger's services for the first matches of the season and there is the worry that he will aggravate the injury while away.

However, Foppe de Haan said: "I am very happy with Ryan Babel.

"He is a very good player and is important for us at the Olympics.

"His recovery is going well, sometimes he still feels a little bit of pain but it isn't much and it is getting better.

"Looking to the future for Babel, playing in this tournament should be very good for him as he will go back to his club in good shape.

"A normal pre-season lasts around six to eight weeks and part of that preparation for him is being at the Olympic Games."