Liverpool will hope Alexis Mac Allister returns from the international break without a repeat of recent injury concerns
Liverpool might have been fearful watching on as Alexis Mac Allister did not make it off the bench in Argentina’s latest FIFA World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. However, manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the midfielder’s absence was not injury related.
Mac Allister missed the final two matches of the 2024/25 title-winning campaign because of an undisclosed injury and only returned to playing again deep into Liverpool‘s pre-season schedule. After featuring in the Community Shield and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth, he missed the trip to Newcastle United with a minor issue this time, before most recently returning to Arne Slot’s line-up for the win over Arsenal.
Now the 26-year-old has travelled to South America for the international break. However, he sat out Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela overnight on the bench.
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Before the fixture took place, La Albiceleste boss Scaloni had stated during his press conference: “Alexis Mac Allister arrived late, and I don’t think he’ll make the team because he barely trained.”
It would appear that this was caused by an issue with a KLM flight that forced the Liverpool star to divert to Paris, France, before continuing on the journey back to his homeland.
As a result he could only watch on from the sidelines in Buenos Aires as his national teammates cantered to victory. He still has opportunity to play in the upcoming away match against Ecuador on September 10.
But Slot will want Mac Allister fit when he returns to Merseyside, Liverpool have an action-packed two weeks with Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Everton squeezed between the start of UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup campaigns.
The reigning world champions had already confirmed their place at next summer’s World Cup, which is to be held between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. However, the fixture held some significance as it has been billed as potentially Lionel Messi’s final appearance for his country on home soil.
The modern day legend scored twice against the Venezuelans. Now aged 38 and with no more Argentina fixtures scheduled in the country before the next major tournament, he is being extremely cautious over his fitness.
“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” Messi said via ESPN. “There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field.
“It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.
“For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate.
“Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”
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