Liverpool’s injury woes have been slightly eased this week as they prepare to take on Newcastle United.
The Reds continue to be without Andy Robertson, as well as a number of other players. But there was good news yesterday as Alexis Mac Allister made his return to training.
The Argentine took to social media on Friday afternoon to express his delight at being back and available for selection.
And judging from a clip shown in the latest Inside Training series on YouTube, his Liverpool teammates are just as happy to see Mac Allister at the AXA Training Centre.
As the 25-year-old wanders into the gym area alongside Calum Scanlon, shouts, hollers and applause can be heard from off-screen.
Something inaudible is said – or rather shouted – between Mac Allister and the rest of his teammates. Although it’s difficult to hear just what’s being said, there is hilarity, delight and laughter in the air as Liverpool’s No.10 wags his finger and chuckles joyously. A lovely scene.
Mac Allister makes his return
It may have taken him a little time to properly bed in following his summer move, but Mac Allister now looks to be totally at one with his teammates.
Having now been at the club a full six months, the World Cup winner appears to be completely at ease with his surroundings.
‘I think’: Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool now have the ‘complete midfielder’ in their squad
That has surely been helped by the presence of a number of South Americans in the squad. Mac Allister has already admitted to being close to the likes of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
But this group doesn’t really seem to have cliques as such. Everyone is close to everyone. That can only be a good thing going forward.
In terms of on the pitch, it’s easy to see why the Reds squad would be pleased to see Macca, too. Harvey Elliott recently described the midfielder’s displays in training as ‘unbelievable,‘ so perhaps he’s looking forward to more of the same.
And although we maybe haven’t yet seen the very best of the former Brighton man, Mac Allister is still a really important part of the way Liverpool play.
Wataru Endo has done well in the 6 in his absence, but against Manchester United in particular, it’s been clear that the Reds have missed Alexis’ more creative side.
It remains to be seen whether Klopp feels Mac Allister is ready to be thrown straight in against Newcastle on Monday. But even if he isn’t, he’ll surely be back a week later at Arsenal. In the meantime, we’re just enjoying the vibes from this squad at the moment. Welcome back, Macca!
Liverpool ‘strongly appreciate’ what 20-year-old Belgium international has been doing this season
Liverpool are continuing to track the impressive displays of PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko.
The Reds have been linked with a potential move for Bakoyoko, who has been tearing up the Eredivisie this season.
And according to journalist Rudy Galetti, the forward remains a target for Liverpool ahead of the January window.
Taking to X on Saturday morning, Galetti also confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur are another team taking a good look at Bakayoko.
“Tottenham are looking for a new winger in Jan,” began the reporter. “Johan Bakayoko – also strongly appreciated by Liverpool – is emerging among the targets of THFC.
“This season, he scored 3 goals and provided 8 assists in Eredivisie so far. The RW has a contract with PSV until 2026.”
Liverpool keeping tabs on Bakayoko
As Liverpool continue to consider just who can succeed the legendary Mohamed Salah on their right wing, Bakayoko is an interesting option.
At just 20, the PSV man clearly has his best years ahead of him. But despite his young age, Bakayoko has already shown plenty to suggest that he could be the perfect successor to Salah.
He’s left-footed, rapid and has a strong eye for goals and assists. Sound familiar?
Having turned down a £34m move to Brentford this summer, Bakayoko has since claimed that his ‘dream club’ remains his current one; PSV Eindhoven.
But with the greatest of respect to both Brentford and PSV, joining Liverpool would be a whole different kettle of fish for Johan.
With Spurs also circling him, the nine-cap Belgium international is sure to be snapped up by somebody soon. They may not necessarily need him immediately, but the Reds should think long and hard before letting Bakayoko go elsewhere without a fight.
Liverpool memorably usurped Tottenham at the last minute to sign Luis Diaz in January 2022. If the North Londoners make a move for Bakayoko next month, perhaps a similar scenario will play out.
Either way, this young Belgian is earning fans in some high up places this season. Let’s see if anything opens up in the New Year.
‘Couldn’t be happier’… £35m player suggests he’s delighted with his life at Liverpool
Liverpool look set to finally see one of their injured cohort make a return against Newcastle United.
The Reds are still without a handful of players as they prepare to take on Newcastle on Monday. But one man who looks ready to return is midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Having been injured during the match with Sheffield United earlier in the month, Mac Allister has missed Liverpool’s last seven games.
But now, according to his Instagram post from yesterday, the 25-year-old is back and ready for action.
“Back on the pitch with more determination than ever, and I couldn’t be happier” Mac Allister wrote, alongside a shot of him and a number of his teammates in training.
“Overcoming setbacks, coming back stronger. Thank you everyone for the constant support.”
Mac Allister happy at Liverpool
Having settled in seamlessly at Liverpool, Mac Allister has every right to be happy.
It hasn’t always been easy for him since his summer arrival from Brighton. But by and large, the Argentine has coped fantastically well with the step up in level.
Slotting straight in as one of Jurgen Klopp’s starting midfielders, Mac Allister has played his part in a superb first-half of the season.
After missing the past handful of games, he’ll be keen to once again stamp his mark on this exciting Liverpool side.
With Wataru Endo in good form, the likelihood is that Macca will start from the bench against Newcastle next week.
But as Endo heads off to the Asian Cup following Monday’s game, Mac Allister’s return is timely.
Without the Japanese around, Macca will once again rest Liverpool’s No.6 hopes on his shoulders. Before his injury the Argentina international was showing signs that he could be the long-term answer in defensive midfield.
Since Mac Allister’s injury in Sheffield, Endo has thrown his name into that particular hat in a big way. Fit again, it’s time for the £35m signing to wrestle back his undisputed place in the XI. Nice to hear he’s happy, because we’re delighted to have him onboard, too.
Leave a Reply