Liverpool’s new personnel Alexis Mac Allister has been given an oxygen tube while away with Argentina in gruelling conditions against Bolivia.
The Argentine has had to go through a curious pre-match regime for La Albiceleste, over the international break. This could be a complication for Jurgen Klopp and a headache for Liverpool.
When it comes to the World Cup qualifiers South American countries always have limited spots. This means that the wealth of talent is guaranteed to miss out on the biggest stage due to a few spots.
But since the 2026 edition of the World Cup has expanded South America now has 6 direct qualification places.
Although they are the world champions, Argentina have to fight to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Hence hoping to ensure that they get the chance to defend their title the new Liverpool Star Alexis Mac Allister is on national duty.
Things started well for the defending champions with Lionel Messi’s side securing a home victory over Ecuador.
But it is now that South American giants would be tested as they face Bolivia in their second game. Every South American team that travels to Bolivia knows that there is something unique about them.
Although not one of the strongest teams in the continent, they sure are the hardest place to play. Thanks to the extraordinary altitude of its stadium many of the big guns tire out in the World Cup qualifying.
Back in 2007, a FIFA ruling targeted high grounds initially imposing a limit of 2,500M but was later raised to 3,000M.
This was done due to the increased strain on the players operating in low-oxygen conditions. Hence, La Paz, Bolivia continued to host games and have an unparalleled advantage.
Alexis Mac Allister uses oxygen tube which could worry Liverpool
Argentina facing Bolivia away from whom home could worry Liverpool supporters and Klopp. Mac Allister traveled to Estadio Hernando Siles, which sits 3637m above sea level. Moreover, it is just 3 days before Liverpool travels to Molineux.
Klopp has already had a general complaint about his South American players on international duty as he told LFCTV.
“Now, international break and pretty much 48 hours after our South Americans play somewhere on the other end of the world we will play against Wolverhampton Wanderers.”
Klopp told LFCTV
However, as one could imagine, playing in such testing circumstances, the strain will be even worse. Moreover, the Liverpool midfielder was been pictured with an oxygen tube ahead of the fixture.
While the LFC midfielder did feature for the World Cup winners and was helpful in securing a 3-0 victory against Bolivia.
Indeed there is nothing that Klopp could do about this but he would have to make a decision for the Wolves game. But it doesn’t end with the Argentine as he has Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz to worry about as well.
Although not in as same extreme conditions, they would be facing tougher oppositions nonetheless. But there are reports saying the Nunez might not start in his next game.
Now it is to be seen how the German would mix things up to face the Wolves.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
