By Craig McWalter
April 9 2002

Markus Babbel is continuing his recovery from long-term illness by training with his Liverpool teammates in Germany. Read On for more. Liverpool are preparing for their Champions League quarter-final second leg tie against German league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds' defender has been out since August after contracting Guillan-Barre Syndrome - inflammation of the nervous system.

At one stage it was feared the former German international would not walk - let alone play - again.

This is the first time he has travelled with the squad since making his return.

A club spokesman said: "Markus is doing very well, but he is not rushing and he will play when he - and the management team - think he is ready."

Long-term injury victims Jamie Redknapp and Gregory Vignal have also been training with the squad in Germany.

Club skipper Redknapp has been suffering with a thigh injury, and has not featured since scoring in Liverpool's 2-0 win at Charlton.

Vignal hasn't featured for the Reds since suffering an ankle injury in Grimsby's shock Worthington Cup win at Anfield.