Arne Slot has confirmed Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s return to action this weekend as he reacted to Harvey Elliott’s injury blow.
Mac Allister emerged as a concern for the Reds during the international break after missing training with Argentina last week . Despite his absence in the build-up, the midfielder started the world champions’ win over Chile before coming off the bench against Colombia .
And, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Nottingham Forest at Anfield , Slot confirmed Mac Allister had been training with Liverpool following his return from South America. The Reds boss, though, is without the services of Harvey Elliott for some time.
The 21-year-old was forced to return from England U21 duty last week after feeling discomfort while training. It has now emerged Elliott has suffered a fractured foot , with the midfielder expected to be out until late October.
Speaking about Mac Allister during his press conference, Slot said: “He was out in the last game, but he trained with us yesterday. “Of course, the press conference started with a question about Harvey Elliott, he didn’t stay fit unfortunately so he’s out for a longer time, but I’m expecting Macca to be with us tomorrow.”
On Elliott’s injury, Slot added: “Harvey is of course a big disappointment for him, but not only for him but also for us. Okay he didn’t play that much in the first games, but he played a lot in pre-season, and he showed himself really well.
“Of course, when he stayed fit, he would have had a lot of playing time in the upcoming fixtures, but now he isn’t, that also gives a chance to someone else.
“First and foremost, it’s a blow for himself, and also for us because I think availability is important in a phase of the season when we play seven games in 22 days I think. It’s a blow for the both of us, but he will work as hard as always to come back in the best possible way.”
While Elliott will be missing this weekend, Curtis Jones could return to the matchday squad after making his return to training earlier this week. The midfielder missed the Reds’ last two games against Brentford and Manchester United, but could be in line to make his comeback against Forest tomorrow.
Liverpool.com says: Although Mac Allister seems to be fit, Slot will have to be careful with him as the games come thick and fast over the next few weeks. If there is any hint of an injury there, his minutes will have to be managed very closely, so it’s a good job that Jones seems to be back.
It is undoubtedly a blow to see Elliott out injured though. He would certainly have got some minutes over the next month or so, and it will be interesting to see what direction Slot goes in for a replacement in the No.10 role if he wants to give Dominik Szoboszlai a bit of a rest.
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