The injury to Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is ‘very slightly worse’ than first feared.
Mac Allister missed the Reds’ win over Crystal Palace on Saturday having been forced off with a knee issue during last week’s trip to Sheffield United.
Initially, the injury seemed to be simply a slightly nasty gash that needed stitching. No trouble. However, reports emerged from Argentina this week that claim the problem could keep the 24-year-old out for a further two weeks.
Following that, there was more worry for Liverpool fans on Tuesday, with Mac Allister posting some concerning pictures on his Instagram page. Showing himself undergoing some rigorous treatment, as well as wearing a knee brace and crutches, supporters have been fearing the worst.
Thankfully, journalist Lewis Steele was on-hand to clear things up a little yesterday. Taking to X on Tuesday evening, The Daily Mail reporter said that although Mac Allister’s injury is a little heavier than initially thought, it isn’t a big issue.
“Alexis Mac Allister’s injury is nothing to cause serious worry despite Instagram pictures of him on crutches and in a knee brace,” says Steele. “Possibly very slightly worse than first feared but treatment programme is just to help reduce swelling and bad bruising.”
Mac Allister undergoing knee treatment
This is good news, although we’ll wait and see what Jurgen Klopp says today before we can rest fully.
The Reds boss is due to speak to the press later on. Given his posts yesterday, Mac Allister’s injury will likely be a topic.
Obviously, there’s no chance that the Argentina international plays against his brother and Union Saint-Gilloise tomorrow. But that would likely have been the case even if he was fit.
Furthermore, reports from Macca’s homeland suggest that he won’t be ready to face Manchester United on Sunday or West Ham United next Wednesday either.
Judging by Liverpool No.10’s home pictures, we’d say that’s pretty much a given.
As a result, Mac Allister’s race is now to be fit for the home game against Arsenal on the 23rd. That’s likely to be a match-up between 1st and 2nd in the Premier League table. We need him ready.
Despite the positive update here though, we’d be surprised to see Alexis up and running for that.
It may not be anything like the injury that is keeping Joel Matip out for the season. But knee injuries are generally not to be messed with. We’d love to be proven wrong, but we’re still a little concerned.
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