Liverpool could be doomed already

The last time members of the Kop celebrated an English First Division Championship was back in the days of the back pass, 1989-1990. With the new season only a couple of months away, the Kop's dream of a title might be dead already. Liverpool might be one of the major clubs affected by national teams calling up of overage players for the Beijing Olympics. Traditionally Olympic squads consist of players Under-23 years old and three over age players.

If the national associations in Holland and Argentina both have their way, Liverpool would be down Ryan Babel and Javier Mascherano for their countries run for Olympic gold. If both of the players represent their countries it's possible that they could miss more then a month of the season and as Rafa the Rotating Manager's squad sits now there are not enough quality players to cover the holes. The tournament runs from Aug. 7 to Aug. 23.

With Babel gone Liverpool loose most of the speed that they have on the roster, aside from Torres. While loosing Mascherano means that they will have to find another holding midfielder to cover for Gerrard when he goes forward. One of the reasons that playing Gerrard in back of Torres up front is so successful because he has great defensive cover in the tough tackling Argentinian.

The loss of both players for the tournament could mean more time for two of Endy in the Outfields favorite Liverpool players Lucas and Jermaine Pennant, which would mean the title drought continues. That is why the signing of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa is so important.