Arne Slot and Liverpool have encountered a minor injury concern as one of their players missed a training session with his national team. The majority of Liverpool’s first-team squad is currently on international duty, including Alexis Mac Allister, who has joined the Argentina squad.
Late on Tuesday, journalist Gaston Edul reported on X that Mac Allister, who is 25 years old, did not take part in training with the Argentina national team as they prepare for upcoming matches against Chile and Colombia. Edul’s post, translated from Spanish, stated: “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.”
To date, Slot has been fortunate to have nearly a fully-fit squad available as Liverpool’s head coach, with Curtis Jones being the only player absent at the start of the season. However, the September international break and a more congested fixture schedule over the next six weeks could challenge the team’s depth.
The increasing demands on top-level footballers have led to a rise in muscle injuries, and even if Mac Allister recovers in time for Argentina’s upcoming games, there will still be concern about him returning to Liverpool in top condition for their next match against Nottingham Forest in ten days.
As autumn progresses, Mac Allister, along with his fellow South Americans Luis Diaz and Alisson Becker, as well as Japan’s Wataru Endo, will be logging significant air miles during the international breaks in October and November. This level of travel can add to the physical strain on players, potentially increasing the risk of injuries.
Additionally, Darwin Nunez would also be making transatlantic trips if not for his recent suspension related to incidents during the Copa America in July. As a result, Nunez is spared from the exhausting travel that could otherwise have impacted his fitness and availability for Liverpool.
Slot will be monitoring all the matches involving Liverpool players closely in the upcoming days, with the hope that none of them sustain injuries that could limit their availability for the club in the coming weeks and months. The looming fixture congestion and the physical toll of international duty are key factors that Slot will have to manage as he aims to keep his squad fit and competitive throughout the season.
Overall, while the initial prognosis for Mac Allister seems positive, the situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by clubs when players are away on international duty, particularly with the rigorous demands and travel involved in modern football.