Arne Slot and Liverpool faced a minor injury concern recently when one of their players missed a training session with his national team. Many of Liverpool’s first-team players are currently away on international duty, including Alexis Mac Allister, who is with the Argentina squad.
Late on Tuesday night, journalist Gaston Edul reported on X that the 25-year-old midfielder did not participate in training with the world champions as they prepare for their upcoming matches against Chile and Colombia. Edul stated (translated from Spanish): “Alexis Mac Allister didn’t train due to muscle fatigue, but it’s expected that he will be ready for the match against Chile and play.”
So far, Slot has been fortunate with the health of his squad as Liverpool’s head coach, having nearly a fully-fit roster to choose from, with Curtis Jones being the only player absent at the beginning of the season. However, with the September international break upon them and a busier fixture list scheduled over the next six weeks, the depth of Liverpool’s squad could soon be tested.
The increasing demands on elite footballers have led to a rise in muscle injuries, making it crucial for clubs to manage player workloads carefully. Even if Mac Allister is fit in time for Argentina’s upcoming games, there will still be concerns about ensuring he returns to Merseyside in optimal condition for Liverpool’s next Premier League match against Nottingham Forest in 10 days.
This autumn, several Liverpool players, including Mac Allister, fellow South Americans Luis Diaz and Alisson Becker, and Japan’s Wataru Endo, will be racking up significant air miles during the international breaks in October and November. While Darwin Nunez would typically be part of this group, he is currently sidelined from international duty due to a recent ban related to incidents at the Copa America in July.
Given the international commitments of his players, Slot will be closely monitoring every match involving Liverpool’s squad members in the coming days, hoping that none suffer injuries that could impact their availability for the club in the weeks and months ahead. With Liverpool set to face a demanding schedule, maintaining a fit and healthy squad will be crucial for Slot as he navigates the challenges of the upcoming fixtures. The international break poses additional risks, with travel, varying playing conditions, and the intensity of competitive matches all contributing to potential player fatigue and injury. The well-being of key players like Mac Allister will be particularly important as Liverpool aims to maintain momentum and compete at the highest level across all competitions this season.