Babbel Targets Next Season Return

By Craig McWalter
April 21 2002

German International Markus Babbel has set his sights on a reuturn to first team action after overcoming a life-threatening illness.

German Markus Babbel has spent most of this term in hospital after being diagnosed with the potentially fatal illness Guillan-Barre syndrome.

At one stage the The german international now 29-year-old , defender was left paralysed in a hospital bed, unable to do anything , close his eyes and shedding weight at an alarming dangerisouly rate.

The onset of the disease, which affects the nervous system, first became apparent to the liverpool medical staff in August when he started to complain of constant fatigue which was very unusal.

Now Babbel is back in training with Liverpool and hopes to make a successful return to the first team for their pre-season friendlies.

Babbel said: "I felt really tired during the Charity Shield game against Manchester United.

"It was the same in the Super Cup game against Bayern Munich in Monaco. I said 'Listen, this is unbelievable. Last season I had played 60 games with no problems. Now I am really tired'."

Babbel played in the first Premiership match of the season, but was withdrawn at his own request at half-time during the 2-1 reverse at Bolton. Babbel has not played for the reds since then.

It has been has been a long road back for babbel, but the German International now believes he will make a full recovery which is good to here.

Babbel said: "Week by week I have been able to do more. Just being able to kick a ball, all these things are beautiful.

"The club have been really great to me. Gerard Houllier would call me two or three times a week and despite his own health problems he said to take my time. I always felt I would come back.

"If you are a professional sportsman you know how to fight. I was not the biggest talent, I have always had to fight from my time in the juniors for my place."

He added: "When I was very ill I signed a new contract with Liverpool. That was something special for me. I feel I will be stronger than before and hope I can play at the same level."

Everyone at The Pool is glad to see Markus back.