Report hints at why Alexis Mac Allister trained alone yesterday as Liverpool prepare for Sunday

The rhythm of a Premier League season is relentless, a constant cycle of matches, training sessions, and recovery periods. For a club like Liverpool, with aspirations of challenging for the highest honors, every session on the training ground at the AXA Training Centre is meticulously planned and executed, each drill and exercise designed to hone the players’ physical and tactical sharpness. Therefore, when a key player is noticeably absent from the regular team training, it understandably raises eyebrows and sparks concerns among the devoted fanbase. Such was the case on Wednesday when reports emerged that influential midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was not participating in the collective training session as Liverpool geared up for their upcoming Premier League fixture against West Ham United on Sunday.

The absence of the Argentine international from the main group training session on Wednesday inevitably led to a flurry of speculation among Liverpool supporters. In the current climate, where even the slightest niggle or knock can have significant consequences on team selection and performance, the sight of a key player training alone can trigger anxieties about potential injuries. Mac Allister has become an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s midfield since his arrival at Anfield, and his consistent performances have made him a firm favorite among the Reds faithful. Consequently, any indication of a potential issue with his fitness is bound to generate concern.

However, in the wake of these initial reports, reassuring information has surfaced, seemingly putting any major injury worries regarding Alexis Mac Allister to bed. According to a subsequent report from the reputable Liverpool Echo, the midfielder’s absence from the main squad training session on Wednesday was not due to any significant injury concern. Instead, it appears to be a carefully managed approach by the Liverpool coaching staff to ensure the optimal physical condition of the player as they prepare for the crucial encounter against West Ham at Anfield on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s squad, under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, were indeed put through their paces at the AXA Training Centre yesterday as they intensified their preparations for the Premier League clash against the Hammers. This Sunday’s match holds particular significance for Liverpool as they aim to swiftly make amends for their disappointing defeat at the hands of Fulham last weekend. The loss at Craven Cottage was an unexpected setback in Liverpool’s pursuit of Premier League glory, and the team will be eager to deliver a strong performance and secure all three points against West Ham to reaffirm their title credentials.

While Alexis Mac Allister’s absence from the main training group was noted, it was also observed that other key players, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, were still not participating in the full sessions as they continue their recovery from their respective ankle and hamstring injuries. However, there was a positive update regarding goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who did partake in the training session. The Brazilian shot-stopper has been sidelined for Liverpool’s last two matches due to concussion protocols arising from a body blow he sustained while on international duty with Brazil back in March. His return to training suggests that he is nearing full recovery and could potentially be back in contention for the game against West Ham.

Addressing the central question of why Alexis Mac Allister was not training with the main Liverpool squad on Wednesday, the Liverpool Echo report sheds some light on the situation. According to their sources, Mac Allister was not involved with the bulk of the squad for the training session, but crucially, there are understood to be ‘no major concerns’ whatsoever regarding the fitness of the Argentina international. This will undoubtedly come as a welcome relief to Liverpool supporters who were initially worried about a potential injury.

Instead of joining his teammates on the lush green pitches of the AXA Training Centre, the 26-year-old midfielder was reportedly working on an individual training programme indoors. This approach is becoming increasingly common in modern football, particularly for players who have played a significant number of minutes or have specific physical needs. The absence of any midweek fixtures for the remainder of the current season, with Liverpool now solely focused on their Premier League commitments and playing only on Sundays, provides greater scope for the coaching staff to tailor individual training sessions to the specific requirements of each player. This allows for more personalized attention to recovery, strength work, or addressing any minor physical issues without the pressure of immediate midweek matches.

This week-long gap between Premier League matches, while perhaps not the scenario Liverpool would have ideally envisioned at the start of the season (given their ambitions to compete in all available competitions), does offer a significant benefit in terms of providing players with extended periods for rest and recovery. Had Liverpool still been involved in the Champions League and the FA Cup, as they were hoping to be at this stage, their schedule would have been considerably more congested, potentially necessitating midweek fixtures and limiting the opportunities for such personalized training programmes.

It is highly likely that Alexis Mac Allister, in particular, might welcome this week-long gap between games and the opportunity for a more tailored training approach. Since the beginning of December, the Argentine midfielder has been an almost ever-present figure in Liverpool’s starting lineup in the Premier League, missing only a single top-flight fixture during that period. Furthermore, he has featured in every match for the Reds, with the exception of one, since their FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle two months ago, according to data from Transfermarkt. This consistent involvement highlights the crucial role he plays in Klopp’s team and the significant physical demands placed upon him.

Indeed, Alexis Mac Allister’s tally of playing minutes for Liverpool this season is remarkably high. His total of 3,261 minutes on the pitch is reportedly exceeded by only three other players within the Liverpool squad, underscoring his importance and the trust that Jürgen Klopp places in him. Additionally, Mac Allister also undertook a long journey to South America and back for international duty with Argentina towards the end of March, further adding to the physical toll on the midfielder.

Given the significant workload that Alexis Mac Allister has shouldered for Liverpool throughout the season, it is entirely understandable that the coaching staff would opt to manage his training load carefully during this week leading up to the West Ham game. The individual programme he is undertaking indoors is likely designed to ensure that he is in peak physical condition and raring to go when West Ham visit Anfield on Sunday.

This upcoming match against the Hammers carries significant weight for Liverpool. Following their unexpected defeat to Fulham, the team will be highly motivated to bounce back with a positive performance and secure a vital three points in their pursuit of the Premier League title. The loss at Craven Cottage raised questions among some quarters as to whether the Reds might yet face a nervy run-in to a season that they and their supporters are desperately hoping will culminate in Premier League glory. Alexis Mac Allister, as a key cog in Liverpool’s midfield engine room, will undoubtedly be crucial to their efforts in achieving this goal, and the carefully managed training schedule suggests that the coaching staff are taking every precaution to ensure he is ready to play a pivotal role on Sunday.