Liverpool’s midfield maestro, Alexis Mac Allister, may be forced to sit out Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to fitness concerns, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed. The 24-year-old midfielder was substituted at half-time during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial international fixtures.
Mac Allister, who has been a pivotal player for both his club and country, is currently training separately from the rest of the Argentina squad as they prepare for their matches. Speaking to the media, Scaloni offered an update on Mac Allister’s condition and expressed caution about rushing him back to action.
“Mac Allister is training separately. We’ll see if he makes it to the first game, “For now, he hasn’t been able to join us,” said Scaloni.
An Important Player Under Scrutiny
Mac Allister’s has been a key figure for Lionel Scaloni’s side since breaking into the national team, particularly following his standout performances in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign. His absence would be a significant blow to Argentina as they look to solidify their qualification path for the 2026 World Cup.
Scaloni was quick to point out the wear and tear the player has endured over the past few months, citing the need to carefully manage Mac Allister’s workload. “I think we have to take care of him. He’s a player who has a lot of games under his belt, and that’s the situation today. We hope we don’t lose any more players because the situation can change later,” the Argentina coach added.
Mac Allister has had a demanding schedule since joining Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion during the summer transfer window. He has featured in nearly every match for the Reds, including multiple high-intensity Premier League fixtures and crucial European games.
Liverpool’s Concerns Over Key Midfielder
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp will be closely monitoring Mac Allister’s situation, especially with the prospect of further aggravating his injury on international duty. The Reds are already dealing with a string of injuries to key players, and losing Mac Allister for an extended period could hinder their progress in both the Premier League and European competitions.
Caring for players’ fitness, especially during international breaks, is a growing area of tension between clubs and national teams. Clubs like Liverpool are often hesitant to see their players risk injuries during international duty, while national teams rely on these players for their campaigns. This situation adds another layer of complexity to Mac Allister’s potential involvement in Argentina’s upcoming matches.
Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Argentina is set to face key qualifiers in the next few days, with the pressure to maintain momentum building. After their World Cup triumph, the expectations on the national team have only increased, and Scaloni’s side will need to navigate these qualifiers successfully to secure their place in the 2026 tournament.
Scaloni will be keen to avoid unnecessary risks with any of his players, particularly as Argentina are already dealing with several injury concerns within their squad. Mac Allister’s potential absence would be a significant blow, but Scaloni is adamant that the health and long-term fitness of his players come first.
The Argentine coach is no stranger to managing a team through difficult circumstances, having guided Argentina through the highs and lows of the 2022 World Cup journey. With several key players nursing injuries, Scaloni will need to find the right balance between rotating his squad and maintaining a high level of performance during the qualifiers.
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