Holland winger Ryan Babel will miss Euro 2008 after tearing ankle ligaments in training.

Babel is expected to be out of action for several weeks and will therefore not take part in the summer showpiece in Austria and Switzerland.

The Liverpool attacker sustained the injury a day before Holland play their final pre-tournament friendly, against Wales in Rotterdam.

Holland coach Marco van Basten has not named a replacement for the 21-year-old although he is permitted to do so once Babel has been examined by a UEFA doctor.

The Dutch will line up alongside France, Italy and Romania in Group C. Their first match is on June 9 against world champions Italy.

Despite the injury blow, Holland boss Marco van Basten has delivered an ominous warning for John Toshack’s Wales ahead of their meeting at Feyenoord’s sold-out De Kuip stadium, demanding a flurry of goals to send his side into the Euro 2008 finals on a high.

That will be worrying for Welsh ears, because the last time they faced Holland they were thrashed 7-1 in Eindhoven in 1996, and Van Basten clearly wants a similar scoreline against a country they have beaten on all five previous meetings between the side.

“We must be more clinical and take our chances. This team has matured over the last two years and everywhere the expectation is so much higher, not surprisingly,” he said.

“But we cannot allow ourselves to let teams off the hook when we are making chances and on top.”

Former Manchester United ace Ruud van Nistelrooy scored early on against the Danes, but Holland could not build on that opener.

And now Wales could feel the backlash with a young, inexperienced side set to line up against the Dutch.

Before Babel broke down Van Basten reduced his squad to 23 after Wigan defender Mario Melchiot proved his fitness after struggling with a groin problem. The three unlucky players to step down were keeper Sander Boschker, Denny Landzaat and Khalid Boulahrouz.

Wales could find themselves facing virtually Van Basten’s strongest side, but Arsenal’s Robin van Persie is unlikely to be risked as he is still suffering from a thigh problem.

Van Basten, perhaps significantly, made a point that the forward had been risked too soon by the Gunners at the tale end of the season.

He said: “We are not going to do that because Robin is a special player we would rather see in the side to face Italy.

“He came back too quickly last season and had a relapse. Our doctors believe it is better to allow him to recuperate as long as possible rather than risk him being injured in a friendly.”

Liverpool target Albert Riera has revealed he is desperate to quit Espanyol.

The £6million-rated Spanish winger is being chased by Kop boss Rafa Benitez.

And Riera has accelerated his exit by slamming the criticism aimed at the club’s players.

He said: “I want to leave Espanyol. I do not want to be part of a club that does not take care of or protect its players.

“I do not know if I will go to Liverpool or some other team. I am staying hopeful and I would really like everything sorted out within the next two weeks.

“It would be best for everyone concerned because I know that my transfer would clearly be beneficial. I do not want to cause any problems.

“I don’t want to be at a club where the supporters have no love for the players, or where it depends on whether the team qualifies for Europe or not.”

Riera’s move to Anfield could be thrown into doubt after it was revealed he has a £16million release clause in his contract.

Sporting director Paco Herrera, a former Liverpool coach, said: “If he says he is going to go then he has more information than his club – he must know that there is an interested club who will pay the amount of money needed.”

Rafa Benitez is after Espanyol’s £6million-rated winger Albert Riera.

Liverpool will try to offload Argie Sebastian Leto as part of the deal.

Spaniard Reira, who was on loan at Manchester City two years ago, is also interesting Blackburn and Spurs.

Benitez said: “Philipp is still young but has great experience from Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland.

”He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football.”

The Kop chief also wants Bordeaux skipper Ulrich Rame, 35, as back-up to first choice keeper Pepe Reina.

Benitez hopes to tempt the French runners-up into a straight swap for his current second choice keeper Charles Itandje.

Rame, a former French international, would have to forego Champions League action for a place on the bench at Anfield, but the Reds hope higher wages and a two-year deal will sway him.