Holland's Ryan Babel out of the Euro 2008 after injury

Holland's Ryan Babel out of the Euro 2008 after injury Netherlands winger Ryan Babel is out of the Euro 2008 competition, after he was injured during training on Saturday. The 21-year-old Liverpool player tore ankle ligaments on Saturday and was later ruled out of the Euro 2008 championship. According to reports, Marco van Basten is already looking for a replacement of Ryan Babel, who was one of the key figures in the Holland's squad for the Euro 2008, having earned 25 caps and five international goals already. Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is another player van Basten is concerned about. Robin van Persie has been on the sidelines since joining the squad, although he remains optimistic about his recovery for the Netherlands Euro 2008 opener against Italy on the 9th. The British online bookmaker Bet 365 has Italy 2.40 odds favourite against Holland, who are listed with odds 3.20 to win the game. Holland will battle in Group C along with France, Italy and Romania. At Bet 365 Holland's odds were downgraded to 11/4 to win the Group, third overall, behind favourite Italy at 6/4 and France at 15/8. Rumania is the underdog to win Euro 2008 Group C with odds 12/1.

Published on 05/31/2008