Liverpool fans have a reason to cheer as their key midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister, is set to return from injury ahead of the crucial game against Chelsea this Sunday. The 25-year-old Argentinian international had been sidelined due to an adductor muscle strain but is now back in training and expected to be involved in the upcoming fixtures.
Mac Allister was forced off at half-time during Liverpool's match against Crystal Palace just before the international break due to a strained right adductor muscle. This injury also kept him out of Argentina's game against Venezuela on Thursday evening.
However, he is anticipated to be part of the matchday squad when Argentina takes on Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier at home. Despite his recent fitness issues, it seems that Mac Allister will maintain his record of starting every league fixture during Liverpool vs Chelsea this weekend. Of course, this depends on him coming through the Bolivia match unscathed.
Other injury concerns for Liverpool
While the return of Alexis Mac Allister is indeed a significant boost for Liverpool, there are other injury concerns that the team and head coach Arne Slot need to address. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to make a comeback after fully recovering from a virus that sidelined him during their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. His return will undoubtedly strengthen the team's defense.
The availability of Federico Chiesa, however, remains uncertain. The winger has missed Reds’ last two matches against Bologna and Crystal Palace due to an undisclosed issue. Despite this uncertainty, Coach Slot has hinted at Chiesa's likely return soon after the international break. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott will be out of action until late October due to a broken metatarsal. This injury presents another challenge for Liverpool as they navigate through their fixture list without one of their key players.
Adding to these concerns is Alisson Becker's hamstring injury which will keep him unavailable until after November’s international break. Becker's absence in goal could potentially impact Liverpool's defensive performance in upcoming games.
The big match against Chelsea
The return of Alexis Mac Allister provides an essential boost for Liverpool ahead of Chelsea fixture. His presence in the midfield will undoubtedly strengthen the team's dynamics and increase their chances of securing a win.
However, with other key players like Chiesa, Elliott, and Becker still on the injury list, Liverpool will need to strategize effectively to ensure they maintain their performance levels. The upcoming games will be crucial for Liverpool as they navigate through these challenges and aim to secure victories in both domestic and international fixtures.