Mac Allister Injury Update – Return date revealed by Liverpool boss | OneFootball

Slot’s Pragmatic Approach to Alexis Mac Allister at Turf Moor

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley may not be remembered as a classic, but it did underline the careful balancing act Arne Slot faces with his midfield options. At the centre of it was Alexis Mac Allister, withdrawn at half-time in what initially seemed a worrying decision.

Managing fitness after international duty

The Argentina international had gone the distance for his country during the break, with Lionel Scaloni admitting Mac Allister was not “100 percent fit.” That he started at Turf Moor was itself a surprise, given the physical demands of two competitive matches in quick succession. Slot, though, kept faith in his No. 10, lining him up alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz.

Yet Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu provided a jarring reminder of Premier League intensity with a heavy challenge, and when Milos Kerkez was forced off early, it reshaped the manager’s thinking. By half-time, the decision was made.

Slot explains his thinking

Slot was quick to calm any concerns post-match, stressing there was no fresh injury to Mac Allister. His explanation was as much about the bigger picture as the game itself.

“It was a bit of both,” Slot told reporters when asked if the change was tactical or fitness-related.

Photo: IMAGO

“He missed a lot of pre-season, so he is ready for one game a week, maybe 70 to 90 [minutes]. He played 90 for Argentina and he was really tired after 70.

“It was always sure today that I would take him off after 60 minutes for him to be able to be back on the pitch again Wednesday and Saturday.”

Slot added that an early substitution for Kerkez complicated matters:“So that, combined with the fact that the tackle was a tackle that he felt … [was why he came off at half-time].”

Eyes fixed on Atletico Madrid

The decision reflects not just concern for Mac Allister’s condition but also Liverpool’s looming Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. Slot’s reasoning was clear: preserve a key midfielder, avoid burning through substitutions too early, and prepare for a week that could define the early part of Liverpool’s season.

Mac Allister’s determination to play on, despite “limping a lot,” as Slot put it, speaks to his mentality. But his manager’s intervention may prove crucial in ensuring he is ready for the tests ahead.