Injury Scare for Mac Allister in Liverpool’s Narrow Win Over Burnley
Liverpool fans were given a brief scare during their side’s 1–0 victory at Turf Moor after Alexis Mac Allister was forced off at half-time.
The midfielder, 26, required treatment in the first half following a late challenge from Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu, who was booked for the tackle before later being sent off. Although Mac Allister managed to complete the half, he did not return after the break. Conor Bradley was introduced, with Dominik Szoboszlai slotting into midfield to cover the gap.
With the Reds facing a gruelling run of seven matches in 21 days, concerns quickly spread among supporters about the Argentina international’s fitness.
However, manager Arne Slot moved to ease fears after the match, explaining the decision to substitute Mac Allister was precautionary rather than due to serious injury.
Slot said he preferred not to risk the midfielder further, insisting the knock was not expected to have long-term consequences.
Slot Clarifies Mac Allister Substitution
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has explained the decision to take Alexis Mac Allister off at half-time during the Reds’ 1–0 win over Burnley. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Slot emphasized it was a precautionary move rather than a response to injury.
“He missed a lot of pre-season, so he’s currently ready for one game a week, maybe 70 to 90 minutes. He played 90 for Argentina and was really tired after 70,” Slot said.
“He doesn’t yet have the build-up to play three games a week for 90 minutes, so it was always planned that I would take him off around the 60-minute mark to keep him fresh for Wednesday and then for Saturday.”
Slot also explained the timing of the substitution: having already replaced Milos Kerkez before half-time to avoid a second yellow card, taking Mac Allister off shortly after ensured he could manage the remaining substitution window effectively.
“The challenge he received from Ugochukwu also played a role. He felt it, but it wasn’t serious. He said he could continue, though he limped a bit. That was more his mentality than an actual inability to perform,” Slot added.
With Liverpool facing a busy schedule—including Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Everton in the league—managing player fitness is key. Mac Allister’s early exit was a precaution to prevent overloading him, especially after playing the full international match for Argentina in Ecuador at high altitude.
Slot’s comments suggest Mac Allister should be available and fit for Wednesday’s clash, potentially linking up with Ryan Gravenberch, who impressed at Turf Moor, as Liverpool begin a demanding stretch of fixtures in the 2025/26 season.
