Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave supporters a scare after being taken off at half-time during Sunday’s narrow 1-0 win over Burnley. The Argentina international was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Lesley Ugochukwu midway through the first half.
The Frenchman caught him high on the ankle and it looked horrific to anyone watching. The tackle required lengthy treatment from the Liverpool medical staff. Ugochukwu narrowly escaped that incident with only a yellow card.
However, he was later sent off for a second bookable offence. Despite completing the first 45 minutes, Mac Allister did not return after the interval and was replaced by Conor Bradley. Dominik Szoboszlai shifted into midfield as the Reds reshaped tactically.
Even though the injury looked horrific, Max Allister played on in the first half. However, then his substitution in the half time immediately sparked speculation over whether the World Cup winner had sustained another injury setback. Especially with Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid looming.
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After the game, Arne Slot moved quickly to play down injury fears. Speaking to reporters, he explained that the decision to withdraw Mac Allister was both precautionary and tactical. During the post-match press conference, he said, “It is similar to Alex [Isak] but in a completely different way.”
He added, “He missed a lot of pre-season, so he is ready for one game a week, maybe [for] 70 to 90. He played 90 for Argentina and he was really tired after 70.” Slot further clarified that the midfielder had been expected to come off around the 60-minute mark to preserve his fitness for upcoming fixtures.
He added, “So, the combination of him being injured and me not wanting to lose the second substitution after 60 minutes led to it – and us not playing so well, by the way.” Mac Allister’s recent history with fitness has been a concern for both the Reds and Argentina.
He missed the final two matches of last season and had a delayed start to the current campaign. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni even admitted during the international break that the midfielder was ‘not at 100 per cent’. The Reds will have a demanding week with Champions League beginning, so they will hold for the midfielder’s quick recovery.
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