Babel out for 7 weeks

[Jay]

Dutch coach Marco van Basten has revealed that Ryan Babel could be on the sidelines for up to seven weeks after the Liverpool winger tore ankle ligaments in training on Saturday.
The Reds number 19 was immediately ruled out of Euro 2008 after picking up the injury as Holland prepared for a friendly against Wales.

Babel now faces a race against time to be fit for the start of pre-season training with Liverpool next month.

"He needs five to seven weeks to recover," said van Basten.

"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."

Meanwhile, speaking after Holland's friendly win over Wales in Rotterdam on Sunday, Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar believes the loss of Babel is a big one for the national team.

"We have worked hard and played well but it is a real shame we have lost Ryan Babel," he said.

Could be a big blow for both Liverpool and Holland, especially for Holland having France and Italy in their group.