Liverpool supporters are holding their breath again — and not for a last-minute winner this time. Reports suggest that Alexis Mac Allister will start for Argentina against Puerto Rico, despite ongoing worries over his fitness.
The friendly may mean little for the world champions, but for Arne Slot and Liverpool, it could mean a lot more.
Mac Allister has been struggling with minor injuries for months. He missed the final stretch of last season and hasn’t looked fully sharp since returning.
The Argentine midfielder remains one of Slot’s key players, but many fans feel he needs rest, not another game.
According to TyC Sports, Lionel Scaloni plans to start him in the match in the United States — one that kicks off at 1 a.m. UK time.
For Liverpool, that’s a red flag. The Reds already have several midfielders nursing issues, including Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. Another setback would make things messy just days before a crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield.
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A risky decision or a necessary call for Mac Allister?
Scaloni’s decision seems to be driven by injuries in his own squad, with Enzo Fernández sidelined. Still, Argentina have other midfield options — meaning Mac Allister’s selection feels more like a gamble than a necessity.
Liverpool fans, meanwhile, can’t help but feel déjà vu. Last month, Scaloni admitted Mac Allister was “not 100 percent fit” — then played him for the full 90 minutes in a defeat to Ecuador. That game left the midfielder “physically diminished,” according to Bolavip. Since then, he’s yet to complete a full match for club or country.
Now, with Liverpool short on healthy midfielders, the timing couldn’t be worse. Slot may have to rely on Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz when United visit Anfield.
The irony isn’t lost on fans — while Argentina can afford to experiment, Liverpool can’t afford another injury. For now, supporters can only hope Mac Allister’s minutes are managed wisely. Otherwise, it might be Argentina’s gain and Liverpool’s pain.
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