Liverpool's Ryan Babel could miss season start for Olympics

Liverpool star Ryan Babel is wanted by Holland for their Olympics team - to give Rafa Benitez a double headache at the start of next season.

Dutch striker Babel will be selected for the squad to go to China if he has recovered from the ankle ligament injury he picked up during his country's Euro 2008 preparations.

Babel would be one of the stars of the 'young' Holland team and coach Ari Haan said: "If Ryan is fit he will be at the top of our list for the competition.

"With his qualities Ryan is a vital player for our plans."

If Babel is called up Liverpool will have to let him go and he would be away at the same time as Argentinian midfield star Javier Mascherano, who is lined up as an over-age player for the Olympic title holders.

Liverpool could even lose Brazilian Lucas Leiva if the South Americans select him from their mass of talent.