Argentina’s Scaloni Provides Injury Update on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister

As international duties kick off, Liverpool are keeping a close watch on their squad, particularly with Alexis Mac Allister currently away with Argentina. The Reds are contending with a challenging stretch of fixtures upon the return of club football later this October, making player fitness critical.

Mac Allister has been a crucial component in Liverpool’s lineup this season, featuring in all ten of their games thus far, starting nine. However, after being substituted at half-time during Liverpool’s last match against Crystal Palace, concerns regarding his fitness have risen. Now, Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni has shared insight into the situation, sparking further discussions on whether Mac Allister should have joined his national squad at all.

Scaloni’s Fitness Update on Mac Allister

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni provided an update on Mac Allister’s condition ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. “Alexis is training differently,” Scaloni said, acknowledging the player’s existing fitness issues. He added, “Let’s see if he is ready for the first game. For now, he has not been able to train with us, and we will make the decision if he is part of the squad or the bench. But today, it is difficult for him.” Scaloni also emphasised the need to handle Mac Allister with care, stating, “He is a boy who comes with a lot of games, and today the situation is like this.”

These comments highlight Scaloni’s cautious approach. Despite Mac Allister’s immense value to Argentina, the national team manager is evidently aware of the physical toll the midfielder has endured and appears willing to prioritise his wellbeing over immediate participation in upcoming matches.

Why Liverpool Needed Mac Allister to Rest

Liverpool’s busy schedule has seen their key players logging heavy minutes, and Mac Allister is no exception. With important games on the horizon, Liverpool would undoubtedly have preferred the £55 million midfielder to stay back in England rather than make the long journey to Argentina. His fitness is crucial for their ongoing campaign, and if he aggravates his injury, it could significantly impact Liverpool’s performance in crucial fixtures, including an upcoming match against Chelsea at Anfield.

Argentine journalist Gaston Edul has reinforced this sentiment, noting that Mac Allister is unlikely to start in Argentina’s opening game against Venezuela. Edul reported, “Alexis Mac Allister will not play from the start in order to be in good shape for the match against Bolivia.” This delay might allow him the necessary recovery time, but it also places further strain on his readiness for Liverpool’s intense fixture schedule.

Should Argentina Have Called Up Mac Allister?

Considering Mac Allister’s importance to Liverpool, it’s debatable whether Argentina should have summoned him for international duty given his physical state. Scaloni’s updates suggest that, while Mac Allister’s presence would be beneficial, Argentina is prepared to adjust the lineup if he is not fit. With Argentina’s strong squad, they should have the depth to compete without him against opponents like Bolivia, making his inclusion less essential than it might seem.

Furthermore, Liverpool faces the daunting prospect of losing Alisson Becker to injury, making the management of remaining squad members’ fitness all the more critical. The Reds are undoubtedly hoping that Mac Allister will return home without any exacerbated issues, ready to contribute to Liverpool’s title ambitions. His potential absence could hinder Liverpool’s midfield creativity and defensive stability, underlining the importance of safeguarding his health.

In the coming days, the focus will be on Scaloni’s final decision regarding Mac Allister’s involvement in Argentina’s qualifiers. If Liverpool’s concerns prove valid, and Mac Allister returns without further injury, it will reflect positively on Scaloni’s management. However, should the midfielder sustain a more serious knock, questions will linger over the wisdom of his call-up during this crucial period for club and country.