Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirms 'no issue' with Alexis Mac Allister's fitness after substitution

The Argentine, who missed the end of last season through injury and spent three months on the sidelines before pre-season, was taken off following a strong challenge from Lesley Ugochukwu.

Slot admitted the tackle contributed, but stressed that the substitution was more about managing his return carefully.

"It was not tactical, it was a bit of both," Slot said. "He missed a lot of pre-season. He is ready for one game a week, maybe 70 to 90 minutes.

"He played 90 for Argentina and was really tired after 70, so he doesn't yet have the build-up to play three games a week for 90 minutes."

Slot added that he always intended to limit Mac Allister's minutes to ensure he remains available for the busy schedule ahead. "I was always sure I would take him off after 60 minutes so he would be ready to be back on Wednesday and Saturday.

"I already made one substitution in the first half, so taking him off earlier meant we could not manage the game later on," he explained.

Mac Allister, aged 26, is being eased back into full fitness after making 33 Premier League appearances last season.

Liverpool now have a demanding stretch ahead: they will host Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League on 17 September 2025, before facing Everton in the Merseyside Derby in the Premier League on 20 September.

Mohamed Salah continues to rack up records. He has scored 188 Premier League goals for Liverpool after getting the winner late in the game on Sunday.

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