Liverpool Star Alexis Mac Allister Facing Fitness Concerns
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has endured a frustrating start to the 2025–26 season, missing out on Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela.
The 26-year-old has been carefully managed by new boss Arne Slot after the injury that sidelined him for the final weeks of last season’s Premier League title run.
Although he returned to training at Kirkby in late July, Mac Allister’s pre-season was disrupted. He missed most summer friendlies, sat out the 3-2 win at Newcastle, and lasted only an hour against Arsenal, highlighting that he is still building sharpness.
Argentina Cruise Without Him in Buenos Aires
At the Estadio Monumental, Argentina put on a show to maintain their perfect qualifying record.
Lionel Messi, likely playing his final home qualifier, opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead with a header in the 76th, before Messi struck again four minutes later after a slick passing move with Thiago Almada.
The 3-0 result extended Lionel Scaloni’s unbeaten run, but Mac Allister was nowhere in the squad.
Why Mac Allister Was Left Out
Coach Lionel Scaloni cleared up speculation, confirming Mac Allister’s absence was not injury-related.
Instead, the midfielder’s travel plans collapsed after issues with airline KLM. Originally flying from Amsterdam, he was rerouted through Paris and only landed in Argentina on Tuesday evening.
“Alexis Mac Allister arrived late, and I don’t think he’ll make the team because he barely trained,” Scaloni explained. With limited minutes under his belt, the coach opted not to risk him.
What This Means for Liverpool and Argentina
For Liverpool, the positive news is that Mac Allister avoided extra strain during the international window. Arne Slot will hope the Argentine can build rhythm quickly, as his vision and control remain vital for the Reds’ possession-heavy system in their quest to defend the Premier League crown.
For Argentina, patience is on their side. With World Cup 2026 qualification looking secure, Scaloni has time to ease Mac Allister back when he regains full fitness and match sharpness.
