Alexis Mac Allister absence from Argentina vs Venezuela explained

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Image Credits: Imago Images

Alexis Mac Allister’s 2025–26 campaign has been hampered by lingering fitness issues following an injury that forced him out of Liverpool’s final matches of the 2024–25 season.

Despite returning to team training in late July, Mac Allister skipped the overwhelming majority of friendlies this summer, only rejoining sessions as his teammates were already building match sharpness

The midfielder missed the 3-2 win at Newcastle after withdrawing from weekend training due to a fitness issue.

Against Arsenal, he was withdrawn at the hour mark in another hint that the Argentian is not yet at 100% of his powers.

Argentina delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday, maintaining their perfect qualifying record for the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi, playing what he is likely his final home qualifier, opened the scoring in the 39th minute.

In the 76th minute, Lautaro Martinez extended the lead with a towering header, leaving goalkeeper Rafael Romo with little chance.

Four minutes later, Messi completed his brace, finishing a fine passing move involving Thiago Almada to seal the victory and bid farewell to Argentina’s fans in style.

And while La Albiceleste cruised to a 3-0 win against their South America compatriots, Liverpool’s No.10 played no part in proceedings.

According to head coach Lionel Scaloni, Alexis Mac Allister was unable to train properly before the game, but this was not due to injury.

Instead, Mac Allister’s late arrival in Argentina was caused by travel disruptions

Originally set to fly from Amsterdam to Argentina, his journey was disrupted by internal issues at airline KLM, forcing him to reroute via Paris before finally reaching Argentina late on Tuesday.

Manager Lionel Scaloni, speaking before the clash, also confirmed that he would be left out due to how little he trained:

“Alexis Mac Allister arrived late, and I don’t think he’ll make the team because he barely trained.”

With the 26-year-old’s recent fitness worries, Liverpool fans should be happy that he at least got a rest from one of Argetina’s fixtures this international break.

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