Liverpool star to play for his country after injury - prompting worry from fans: report

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between Liverpool and Sevilla, at Anfield on August 11, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Barrington Coombs/Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be keeping a keen eye on his international stars (Image credit: Barrington Coombs/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool have been living a charmed life under new boss Arne Slot at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, winning all but one of their opening 10 games across all competitions.

However, that luck looked to have faltered slightly before some of the Reds were released for international duty, with two key stars being withdrawn prematurely against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. 

One of that duo, according to reports, now looks set to return to action quicker than may have been expected, but there could be mixed feelings from the Liverpool camp.

Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister set for quick return to football with Argentina

Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield on September 14, 2024 in Liverpool, England.

Alexis Mac Allister has been a key part of Liverpool's midfield this season (Image credit: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) (Image credit: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Argentinian outlet Clarin have claimed that Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could return to action with his national side for their game against Bolivia, having resumed full training with this countrymen earlier this week. 

Reports from Liverpool.com suggested that the Argentina international had suffered a groin injury against Palace, a problem that saw him substituted at half-time in that match.

Alexis Mac Allister touches the World Cup trophy after Argentina's win at Qatar 2022.

Mac Allister lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 (Image credit: Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

Despite that setback, Mac Allister travelled to meet up with La Albiceleste last week, missing their first contest against Venezuela while he worked his way back to fitness.

He was not the only important Merseysider forced to exit the field against the Eagles, with fellow South American Alisson replaced in the 79th minute with a hamstring issue.

The Brazilian goalkeeper, unlike Mac Allister, did not travel to his national side and is expected to be out for a few weeks. There is worry over fielding the midfielder, given the knock: usually, players are treated with precaution if they have a fitness issue at club level – but Mac Allister hasn't been withdrawn from his international squad.

Argentina drew 1-1 in their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela in their first game of this round of fixtures, and are due to face Bolivia at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday October 15, 9pm local time.

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In FourFourTwo’s opinion, while Slot will be pleased to see Mac Allister back in full training, he’ll likely be watching developments in Argentina with more than a hint of nervousness.

There will undoubtedly be fears that the midfielder is being rushed back too soon to assist his national side, especially if he starts, which will do the Dutch coach no favours if Mac Allister aggravates his previous injury. 

Mac Allister, along with Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, have established themselves as Slot’s trusted midfield trio, so the Liverpool boss will be eager to get the Argentinian back under his own control at the Reds’ training ground to manage his load accordingly.

Isaac Stacey Stronge
Freelance Writer

Isaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters’ meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.

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