Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez not concerned over Dutch duo Australia friendly trip
RAFA BENITEZ today allayed fears that preparations for next week's crucial test at Sunderland will be plunged into chaos by his Dutch duo's trip Down Under.[LNB]Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel have made the 10,800-mile trip to take part in Holland's friendly against Australia in Sydney tomorrow.[LNB]While long-haul international trips are an occupational hazard that come with signing South American players and Benitez is resigned to Argentine pair Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, along with Brazilian Lucas, not returning to Liverpool until Friday.[LNB]Major travel issues are not something a Premier League manager would expect for European players during a season but Benitez, though, is relatively relaxed.[LNB]He has explored the situation facing Kuyt and Babel and has taken some comfort from the fact they will be back at Melwood in plenty of time to recover from their journey.[LNB]'We tried to talk with the Dutch Federation about Dirk and Ryan having to travel so far but they have the right to call the players up for these games,' the Reds boss said.[LNB]'We know Lucas, Mascherano and Insua will not be back until Friday afternoon and we will have to manage them carefully.[LNB]'We tried to find some kind of solution but it was impossible and it is not an ideal situation for them to travel to Australia for a friendly.
