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Alexis Mac Allister is expected to start for Argentina in its friendly against Puerto Rico this week, despite concerns over his form and fitness over the last few months.
Mac Allister missed the final few games of last season due to an injury, and also did not figure in either of Liverpool's first two pre-season games. He is yet to complete 90 minutes for the Reds this term, and only came on as a substitute in Argentina's game against Venezuela last week.
The game against Puerto Rico kicks off at 1am BST on Wednesday (8pm ET/5pm PT on Tuesday), and Mac Allister's involvement in the game might concern Arne Slot and some supporters, considering the long flight time and short turnaround between the Argentina game and Liverpool's clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
Slot already saw Ryan Gravenberch exit the Netherlands' win over Finland at half-time due to a slight fitness concern on Sunday, while Wataru Endo also has a hamstring issue.
Were Mac Allister to suffer any kind of setback against Puerto Rico, Slot may start to feel concerned about his midfield options going into the United game.
Meanwhile, Mac Allister snubbed England as he named his favorites to win next summer's World Cup, naming Argentina, Brazil, Spain and France as the teams to beat in North America.
Mac Allister won the tournament in 2022 as Argentina overcame France via a penalty shoot-out after a pulsating final.
Argentina has actually won the last three major tournaments it has competed in, with the team having also won the Copa America in both 2021 and 2024.
Spain, meanwhile, goes into the World Cup as the reigning European champion after winning Euro 2024, while France has contested the last two World Cup finals.
Mac Allister said that he included Brazil as one of his favorites due to the country's pedigree in the competition.
Brazil endured a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings after winning just eight of its 18 qualifiers, but it remains the most successful nation in World Cup history, having won the tournament a record five times.
"Spain, France, and Argentina are candidates," Mac Allister said. "You can add Brazil to that. They're making a comeback, and even though they might not be at their best right now, it's a team with great players, and now a great coach has arrived.
"Brazil has its history and its weight.
"Right now, I see that Spain and France are among the best teams in the world... along with us and maybe a few others that could join. They have a clear idea of play, but we always trust in ourselves."
English (US) ·