Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool is relishing every moment of the current season, leading the Premier League points table ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal. The Reds are preparing to face Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels to conclude their group stage on a high note with a victory.
Despite dealing with a string of injuries to some of their key players, Jurgen Klopp’s side has managed to stay at the top of Europa League Group E as well. Ahead of the clash, the boss provides an update on Mac Alister’s injury during the press conference.
Jurgen Klopp provides update on Alexis Mac Allister
The World Cup-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister recently made a move to Anfield from Brighton this summer. He has seamlessly integrated into Klopp’s lineup but faced a significant setback due to a knee injury, forcing him to be subbed off against Sheffield United last week.
The Argentine missed Liverpool’s clash against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and did not travel to Belgium for the last Europa League group stage fixture tonight. Additionally, prominent names like Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk have also been rested.
Jurgen Klopp addressed the press conference, where he provided insights into Mac Allister’s injury situation ahead of their clash with Union Saint-Gilloise.
He said, “I would like to say it’s day to day, but we have to wait until Macca can deal with the pain. It’s a bit more tricky than we thought in the first moment. The studs went through the muscle and to the bone.”
“It’s painful for him and we need to make sure there’s no infection. I’ve never had this injury in one of my players before but hopefully, in the next three or four days he makes big steps,” he added.
Jurgen Klopp talks on inclusion of Harvey Elliott in starting XI
The Merseyside club recently received unwelcome confirmation of their key defender Joel Matip succumbing to an ACL injury. He joins the list of players admitted to the treatment room, including Andrew Robertson, Diego Jota, Thiago, and Alexis Mac Allister. Consequently, these players will be absent from the upcoming league tie against Manchester United.
In the press conference, Klopp suggested that the club’s young talent, Harry Elliot, will play a significant role in the midfield in the future. The 20-year-old Englishman is poised to make a start against a Belgian club tonight.
He said, “For me, Harvey is what we really forget from time to time, he is still super-young and has had an incredible amount of games already – and top games.”
“With his skillset, he will be in the future super-influential in a team because he can connect things, he has the ability to do that. He has the overview, the technique, and the dynamic. He has it.”
Nonetheless, the midweek Europa clash doesn’t hold much weight, considering they have already qualified for the next round. It provides an opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to line up a mix of both experienced and young firepower.
Will Liverpool be able to win the tie without Alexis Mac Allister? Tell us in the comments.
