Liverpool receives welcome training boost as key man makes long-awaited return from injury

Liverpool received a welcome boost on Monday as Alexis Mac Allister returned to full training.

The midfielder has been nursing a knock since the end of last season and missed the final two matches of the 2024/25 season, and Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in June. Mac Allister has been eased back into training this summer and has not featured in any of the Reds’ three pre-season friendlies.

But he might be able to play some part in Wednesday’s match against Yokohama F. Marinos, the second and final outing of the Reds’ brief tour of Asia. It is also an important boost as the season draws closer, with the campaign technically kicking off next week when Liverpool plays Crystal Palace at Wembley in the Community Shield.

Arne Slot confirmed last week that Mac Allister was back in training, but his appearance on Monday, which was captured by Liverpool’s in-house media team, was the first sighting of the 26-year-old.

Mac Allister was an integral player last season and, prior to the final two matches of the campaign, missed just one Premier League game all term. That came due to suspension.

In his absence this summer, Trey Nyoni has played in midfield, often alongside Mac Allister’s regular partner Ryan Gravenberch. Tyler Morton also featured in the middle during Saturday’s defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong.

Another midfielder who sat that match out was Wataru Endo, but he was part of Monday's session back in his homeland.

The Japan captain would certainly be a popular inclusion in Liverpool’s squad if he is fit to take on Yokohama.

Liverpool’s squad arrived in Tokyo on Sunday and attended a guided meditation session at a temple on Monday prior to training. Luis Diaz was with the squad for that event, but was not part of the group that trained, as he closes in on a move to Bayern Munich.

Hugo Ekitike did train with his new team-mates and could make his unofficial debut on Wednesday

Who trained?

Alisson, Mamardashvili, Konate, Ekitike, Van Dijk, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Bradley, Robertson, Mac Allister, Nunez, Gakpo, Kerkez, Ngumoha, Jones, Wirtz, Morton, Endo, Frimpong, Tsimikas, Elliott.

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