Blow as Babel is ruled out of Euros

Jun 1 2008 By Gavin Berry

HOLLAND have suffered a pre-Euro 2008 blow with Ryan Babel ruled out of the tournament after he was injured in training.

The Liverpool winger tore ankle ligaments yesterday and a scan showed he will be sidelined for several weeks.

It's a huge setback for the 21-year-old who was restricted to just one sub appearance at the World Cup two years ago because of a knee injury.

Babel would have been a key figure this summer for the Dutch - who are looking to add to their Euro Championship success of 20 years ago - after playing a big part in qualifying.

Boss Marco van Basten will now have to find a replacement after the KO blow that came ahead of today's friendly with Wales in Rotterdam.

The Dutch gaffer said: "It's a shame Ryan won't be with us as he has shown good form.

"It was unexpected. There was contact with another player but we can't point to a direct cause. It may have been just tiredness."

Feyenoord defender Tim de Cler also broke down in training on Friday and remains a doubt. Robin van Persie's continual thigh problem is another worry but the Arsenal star is confident of making the Group C opener against Italy.

Despite the disruptions van Basten is demanding his side fire a flurry of goals past the Welsh to head into the finals on a high.

The coach was disappointed with Thursday's 1-1 home draw against Denmark and said: "We must be more clinical.

"This side has matured and the expectation is so much higher. But we can't let teams off the hook when we are on top.

"We are not cashing in on the chances we create. This is often a Dutch problem and we must solve it before the finals."