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Such comments will be a major disappointment to Benitez, who only last month urged Babel to improve his mentality and consistency in what he considered a make or break season for the winger.

The 22-year-old is currently training with the Holland squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Japan and the World Cup qualifier in Scotland next Wednesday.

Babel was originally omitted but will be involved after PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Afellay pulled out with a hamstring injury.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has been warned about his future conduct by the Football Association’s Regulatory Commission.

Lee admitted improper conduct after being charged over his conduct towards fourth official Stuart Attwell during the club’s defeat to Tottenham on the opening day of the season.

Lee protested with Attwell after two penalty appeals were rejected in a tense finale and was sent to the stands by referee Phil Dowd.

The commission opted against a stiffer penalty having taken into account Lee’s “exemplary” disciplinary record.

Meanwhile, forgotten Liverpool goalkeeper Nikolay Mikhailov claims he almost joined PSV on the final day of the transfer window, only for the move to be blocked by Twente Enschende, where the Bulgarian is currently on loan until the end of the season.

“Liverpool and PSV had already reached an agreement, but Twente coach Steve McClaren refused to let me leave,” said Mikhailov.

“We will continue talks during the winter break and I’m full of confidence I will sign for PSV in January. Unfortunately, we lacked the time to terminate my loan deal with Twente.”

Reports indicated PSV were willing to offer more than £1m for the 21-year-old, with the fee potentially rising to £2.5m.