Liverpool’s talismanic number 10, Alexis Mac Allister, has officially rejoined the Argentina national team’s training camp ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Bolivia. This marks an encouraging development for both club and country, as the dynamic midfielder had been dealing with health concerns following Liverpool’s recent clash with Crystal Palace. Mac Allister had started that game but was visibly uncomfortable, leading to his substitution at halftime. Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, opted to replace him with Dominik Szoboszlai, seeking to maintain the team’s tempo. Now, with those concerns behind him, Mac Allister has made a full recovery and is set to play a pivotal role in Argentina’s next qualifier.
Mac Allister’s absence from Argentina’s previous 1-1 draw with Venezuela had been a notable blow for Lionel Scaloni’s side. Despite being included on the bench, a groin injury kept him from featuring in the match. His inability to contribute in that game left a gap in Argentina’s midfield, an area where Mac Allister’s vision and technical prowess have often made the difference. Fortunately, his return to full fitness couldn’t have come at a better time. With the South American qualifiers heating up, Argentina will be relying on the Liverpool star to provide the creativity and drive they need to solidify their top spot. His return also brings relief to Liverpool supporters, who will be eager to see him continue his fine form once domestic action resumes.
The groin injury that sidelined Mac Allister was a reminder of the physical toll that high-level competition can take on players. However, his quick recovery is a testament to his resilience. Argentina, who currently sit at the summit of the South American World Cup qualifiers with an impressive 19 points, are three points clear of Colombia, a team that features Mac Allister’s Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz. The upcoming match against Bolivia is critical, as Argentina seeks to extend their lead and edge closer to qualification for the tournament.
Mac Allister’s contributions to Argentina’s qualification campaign, while not headline-grabbing, have been crucial. He has only found the net once in this cycle, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Chile. His goal came from a well-placed assist by Atlético Madrid’s rising star, Julián Álvarez. Despite his modest goal tally, Mac Allister’s influence extends beyond just finding the back of the net. His intelligent play, quick passing, and ability to control the tempo of a match make him a key figure in Argentina’s midfield. His presence will undoubtedly strengthen their push to remain dominant in the qualifiers.
Off the international stage, Mac Allister has been making waves at Liverpool since his summer move in 2024. After completing a £35 million transfer from Brighton, he quickly established himself as an essential part of Liverpool’s midfield under the new management of Arne Slot, who replaced the legendary Jurgen Klopp. Mac Allister’s debut season at Anfield has been nothing short of impressive, with the midfielder racking up seven goals and seven assists so far. His contributions have played a key role in Liverpool’s resurgence, helping them challenge for the Premier League title.
Mac Allister’s consistency has been a hallmark of his Liverpool career to date. He has started every Premier League game this season, with the only match he missed being an EFL Cup tie against West Ham, which Liverpool won 5-1. His absence during that match was a rare occurrence, but it allowed him to manage his fitness as the demanding season progresses. As the international break comes to an end, Liverpool will face a tough set of fixtures, beginning with a highly anticipated match against Chelsea at Anfield on 20 October. The team currently sits atop the Premier League standings with 18 points from seven games, though they were dealt a recent setback in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Now that Mac Allister is back in full training, both Argentina and Liverpool will be counting on him to continue his stellar performances. For Argentina, his return couldn’t be more timely as they look to solidify their dominance in the World Cup qualifiers. For Liverpool, his creativity and energy in midfield will be vital as they face challenging fixtures in both the Premier League and European competitions. Fans of both the national team and the club will be eager to see how Mac Allister can influence the crucial matches ahead, as his form could well be a deciding factor in both Argentina’s qualification campaign and Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware t
his season.