Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has given an update on Alexis Mac Allister’s condition following his absence in the 5-2 victory over Norwich City this afternoon.
The Reds secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup after thrashing David Wagner’s Norwich side at Anfield today, and at half-time, the draw for the next round was confirmed with Liverpool pulling another home fixture against either Watford or Southampton.
It was the first time Jurgen Klopp led out his squad after announcing that he would depart the club at the end of the season, and the German coach was serenaded in an emotional and passionate rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from the home support at the beginning of the game.
Whilst the manager’s imminent departure has cast a huge cloud of uncertainty over Anfield beyond this season, there was a more pressing concern as Alexis Mac Allister was missing from the matchday squad.
The World Cup winning Argentine has been a force of nature in the deeper midfield role in recent weeks since returning from injury; however, supporters were shocked not to see the star on the team sheet, with his absence being explained as a precaution ahead of kick-off.
However, Klopp took to his post-match interview to deliver a more detailed analysis of Mac Allister’s current condition and revealed whether he would be fit to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The Liverpool boss revealed to ITV in his post-match interview:
“Alexis, he only rested today. He felt a little bit, so he is probably ready for Wednesday as well,”
“The next game is around the corner, only three times sleeping and then you play Chelsea here, which is obviously a different game, and then Arsenal away.”
“So we need them all and we need them in the best possible shape.”
Will Alexis Mac Allister start against Chelsea?
Klopp’s post-match comments suggest that there is very little to worry about when it comes to Mac Allister being fit for Chelsea which will be a huge sigh of relief and a massive boost heading into the Premier League clash.
The Reds are currently five points clear at the top of the table, but will need to keep one step ahead of Manchester City by putting on victorious performances as the Cityzens have a game in hand at the moment.
Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield under the lights on Wednesday evening and nothing short of all three points will be satisfactory, though the timing of the difficult fixture could not have come at a better time for the Merseyside giants.
Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai all returned to action this afternoon with second-half cameos, which came as an absolute delight to the Anfield faithful, especially to see their Scottish full-back back to full fitness after a long period on the sidelines.
With that being said, it will be expected that Mac Allister will return to the matchday squad next week, however, Klopp will likely give a clearer picture in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea.
