Babel blow for Reds

Dutch forward Ryan Babel has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League Group E clash with Debrecen in Hungary tomorrow after twisting his ankle in the weekend draw with Manchester City.

Striker Fernando Torres will also play no part following his groin problem but may be fit to face Everton on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who were both struggling with injuries at the end of the 2-2 draw with City, were both in Liverpool’s 18-man squad that travelled to Budapest.

Glen Johnson, who missed the City game with a calf problem, was also in the party, while Albert Riera’s hamstring injury meant he was left behind for further treatment.

Daniel Agger has recovered from a head injury sustained at the weekend.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Aurelio, Insua, Dossena, Aquilani, Gerrard, Benayoun, Mascherano, Lucas, Spearing, Kuyt, Ngog, Cavalieri.