Liverpool boost for Mac Allister as Argentina release statement | OneFootball

Liverpool Secures Alexis Mac Allister Boost as Argentina Statement Issued

Liverpool and Arne Slot have received encouraging news regarding Alexis Mac Allister ahead of a crucial period in the Premier League calendar.

Mac Allister Avoids Gruelling Travel Schedule

Alexis Mac Allister has been granted an unexpected reprieve after Argentina’s planned friendly against Australia in Kochi was officially postponed. The delay, confirmed by both event organisers and the Argentina Football Association, means Liverpool’s midfield star will avoid a taxing travel schedule from Angola to India and back, a journey that would have risked his fitness ahead of the Reds’ upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The international break now saw Argentina only take part in a single match, a 2-0 victory over Angola, instead of the originally planned two games.

Photo: IMAGO

Postponement Driven by FIFA Approval Issues

According to Anto Augustine, managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company and chief organiser of the event, the postponement came down to procedural complications.

“The matches in the FIFA window cannot happen without FIFA approval. The stadium’s clearance hasn’t come through yet,” Augustine explained. “Also, the distance between Angola and India exceeds the five-hour flight limit permitted by FIFA, which made it impossible for AFA to schedule both matches in the same window.”

This meant that logistical constraints, coupled with FIFA regulations on player travel during international breaks, would have left Mac Allister fatigued and potentially compromised for Liverpool duties.

Frustration from Organisers and Local Authorities

Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman expressed disappointment over the postponement, highlighting the ambition behind the planned fixture.

“If we only wanted to bring Messi, we could have done that. But we wanted the entire team — the world champions — to come to Kerala,” Abdurahiman said. “We met the FIFA Vice-President directly and worked hard for this. Unfortunately, the approvals were delayed by a few days.”

Rescheduling Offers Liverpool Advantage

With the friendly now expected to take place in March 2026, during the next FIFA international window, Mac Allister gains valuable rest ahead of Liverpool’s fixture congestion. This timing ensures the Argentine midfielder can return fully refreshed, avoiding unnecessary travel and allowing Slot to rely on his creativity and energy in the midfield during a demanding period of the season.

For Liverpool, this is a clear boost. The squad can now prepare for their upcoming matches knowing one of their key players will be available, fit and ready to influence games. Mac Allister’s absence from the postponed fixture also highlights the ongoing balancing act clubs face with international call-ups, particularly with players who are pivotal to domestic campaigns.