Alexis Mac Allister injury update leaves Arne Slot's question STILL unanswered

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World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is an integral part of Argentina's midfield and while featuring heavily for Liverpool as well, his fitness has been an ongoing concern.

Across what is set to be a jam-packed football schedule, the player has already played in 12 matches for club and country and we are only in October.

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Playing in a more freeing No8 role this season Mac Allister delivered excellent performances so far this season, running the hard yards, supporting Ryan Gravenberch in his defensive duties as well as creating attacks with Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, in September's international break, there were concerns that the midfielder was already being overworked, as he pulled up to the Argentina national team with a tight calf muscle.

But through completing a separate program of training exercises, he was able to feature in both of Argentina's World Cup qualifiers.

After returning to Liverpool in decent fitness, Arne Slot was able to manage his workload which enabled him to be available for all of the Reds' next seven matches.

And all looked well until he was replaced at half-time in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, with fears his previous injury had made a return.

Slot had one major question after the game, confirming his injury but not knowing if Mac Allister would feature for Argentina. Well, he is still yet to have a definitive answer.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni's fitness update

In his first press conference of the October international break, Lionel Scaloni addressed the media on Mac Allister's fitness.

Speaking via Ole, he said: "He is training separately. We'll see if he can make it to the first match. He hasn't been able to play with us yet.

"We'll make the decision whether he'll be part of the squad or on the bench or play on Thursday. But today it's unlikely he'll make it.

"Above all because of the issue of care, I think we have to take care of him. He's a boy who has had a lot of games and today the situation is like that."

It seems as though Mac Allister's recovery program is not too dissimilar to what he was on in September, but Liverpool will be hoping he receives all the rest and recuperation he needs before the club's incredibly daunting run of fixtures that stretches until December.

Players across Europe have come out in recent weeks calling for greater concern regarding player welfare and it seems Scalone has also taken note in making sure his players aren't overworked.

Argentina are set to meet up with Venezuela and Bolivia over the next two weeks, in matches that are to be held in Miami, although the team has not travelled yet because of weather concerns as Hurricane Milton is set to arrive in Florida in the next few days.

However, the safety of all players has been guaranteed and regardless of whether Mac Allister features for the Pumas or not, Liverpool fans everywhere will be looking forward to his safe return to Anfield later next week.

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