Alexis Mac Allister drops hint that he will be fit for Atletico Madrid clash despite injury scare vs Burnley
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The Reds have enjoyed a good start to their title defence after making it four wins from four, but now is where things start to heat up.
Liverpool still have five more games to play in September due to the return of the Champions League, meaning this month could be a pivotal period.
Up first is Atletico Madrid, a team who have caused the Reds a few problems in the past due to their aggressive style of play and defensive prowess.
Atletico have a few injury concerns heading into the game, but so too do Liverpool, with Alexis Mac Allister the most concerning of them all.
The Argentine was forced off at the weekend against Burnley, meaning he is a doubt for this match, although the player himself has hinted that he might be ready to play.
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There is certainly a lot of pressure on Liverpool this season, with almost everyone expecting them to seriously challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League.
If they are to do this, they will have to play a lot of games, so they will need as many players as possible available so they can rotate when needs be.
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Mac Allister is just one key player they will want fully fit as when he is, he is rather unstoppable in the middle of the park.
His injury against Burnley will have been a huge concern for all, too, given his problems throughout the summer and start of the season, although his latest Instagram post would suggest it is not as bad as first thought.
After the game, he posted pictures from the clash, with the caption reading: “A hard-fought away win, good work by the team.
Time to recover my ankle and think about a new Champions League campaign.”
READ MORE: Atletico Madrid handed potential injury blow as four stars could miss Liverpool clash
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The last sentence is the one to highlight, as it would suggest he already has his eyes set on this meeting with Atletico at Anfield, indicating that he thinks he will be able to play.
Of course, this will be a huge boost for the Reds and if he is able to, he will very likely start, with his tenacity in the middle of the park going to be key against the boisterous Atletico midfield.
No matter whether he says he is fit or not, or whether Liverpool are trying to find a way back into the game, Mac Allister will not play the full 90 minutes.
Arne Slot had already planned to take ‘Macca’ off on the hour mark against Burnley, but his knock meant no risks were taken.
This good piece of management might mean that the 26-year-old will start against Atletico, with the plan likely to substitute him on the hour mark again.
Although it is a big game, Mac Allister still needs his minutes managed, and with the Merseyside derby on Saturday, no risks will be taken.