Liverpool and manager Arne Slot have been handed a major advantage ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Chelsea, with Alexis Mac Allister now expected to start. This comes after an injury concern that arose during the previous match. The Argentine midfielder, who has been a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield this season, was taken off at halftime during their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace before the international break.
The nature and severity of Mac Allister’s injury were initially unclear, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures. Despite this, the midfielder still joined up with the Argentina national team for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia. However, he was unable to participate in Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Venezuela due to a muscle injury, which further fueled uncertainty about his fitness.
Thankfully for Liverpool and their fans, Mac Allister made a return to the pitch on Tuesday during Argentina’s qualifier against Bolivia. He played 66 minutes in that match, signaling his recovery and readiness for the upcoming league action. According to the *Liverpool Echo*, his involvement in the game against Bolivia has now allayed fears over his fitness, and he is expected to be included in the starting lineup for Liverpool’s highly anticipated fixture against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
This development will be a significant boost for Arne Slot, who will be eager to have Mac Allister back in the heart of the midfield for such an important match. Slot has relied on a consistent midfield trio of Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch throughout the season, and this combination is expected to continue against Chelsea.
While Szoboszlai has been particularly impressive so far, earning praise for his performances, Mac Allister’s role in the team is just as vital. Despite only having one goal to his name this season, the World Cup winner has been instrumental in Liverpool’s midfield, providing control and stability in key moments. His experience, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial as Liverpool look to maintain their strong form and stay at the top of the Premier League table.
As Liverpool prepares to face a challenging Chelsea side, Mac Allister’s presence could make all the difference. His influence on the game, combined with Szoboszlai’s flair and Gravenberch’s energy, will give Liverpool the edge they need to secure a positive result in what promises to be an intense encounter.
