Benitez offers backing to Babel
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes that forward Ryan Babel can shine at Anfield now that the transfer window is closed.
Babel's future at Liverpool was the subject of intense speculation during the January transfer window with Birmingham having a couple of bids rejected for the Dutchman.
Benitez believes Babel's form was affected by the speculation and he now feels the former Ajax man can show his true ability for the rest of the campaign.
"If we play without the speculation surrounding Ryan Babel then I am sure it will be easier for him to focus and for me to play him," explained Benitez.
"So I think we will be better in attack and the team will be better."
Benitez also revealed that Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are not expected to return to action until March at the earliest.
"Glen is still progressing," added Benitez.
"It's looking like he will be back in another three or four weeks. When he was first ruled out, it looked like he would be out for two months and it has been a month so far.
"Fernando is progressing too. Hopefully he will be back in the same time, while Yossi [Benayoun] could return in two weeks."