Mac Allister's Extended Absence
The much-anticipated Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, slated for Saturday, was called off due to the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh. This postponement has inadvertently extended the suspension of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Having received his fifth yellow card in the Premier League during the match against Newcastle United, Mac Allister was initially set to miss the derby. Now, this suspension will instead be served during Liverpool's upcoming match against Fulham. This means the influential Argentine international will be sidelined until the League Cup quarter-final match against Southampton on December 18.
The Impact on Liverpool's Midfield
Mac Allister's absence will undoubtedly impact Liverpool's midfield dynamics. He has been a pivotal player for the Reds this season, featuring in almost every game. His absence leaves a gap in the team, but manager Arne Slot expressed confidence in his other midfield options. Slot confirmed Ryan Gravenberch will start against Fulham, and it's anticipated that Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai will join him in midfield.
Disciplinary Tightrope
The situation highlights the precarious disciplinary positions of other Liverpool players. Ryan Gravenberch, with four yellow cards, is just one booking away from suspension. Similarly, Ibrahima Konate also sits on four yellow cards in the Premier League and two in the Champions League, making him vulnerable to a ban in both competitions. However, his current knee injury may grant him some reprieve before the next round of yellow card amnesty.
Goalkeeping Concerns and Injury Updates
Caoimhin Kelleher will continue to feature in goal for Liverpool, with Alisson Becker's return imminent but still a week away. Kelleher's performance against Newcastle, where his error led to Fabian Schar's goal, has been under scrutiny. However, manager Slot expressed continued faith in Kelleher, emphasizing the context of the game and Kelleher's overall contributions. Slot also provided updates on other injured players, noting that Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are close to returning but won't be available for the Fulham game. Chiesa recently played an hour for the Liverpool U21s, showing progress in his recovery.
Alisson's Return
Alisson's impending return is a welcome boost for Liverpool, though his absence against Everton has been confirmed. Manager Slot clarified that while Alisson is not quite ready for this weekend's match, he'll be back in action very soon. This means that Liverpool's goalkeeping situation should stabilize in the coming weeks.
Arne Slot's Perspective and the Merseyside Derby
Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, expressed his views on the yellow card received by Mac Allister, questioning the referee's decision. He highlighted Liverpool's relatively low foul count in the match against Newcastle and believes the yellow card was unwarranted. He also expressed excitement about his first Merseyside derby experience, acknowledging the unique atmosphere and intensity of the fixture. Slot is preparing his team for a tough challenge, emphasizing the need for a focused and strategic approach, noting that they are also aware of Everton's strengths, particularly their ability to capitalize on set pieces.
Looking Ahead: A Rare Respite
With the postponement of the Merseyside derby and the subsequent scheduling, Mac Allister will enjoy an unexpected 11-day break from competitive football. This extended period will likely serve as a much-needed rest and recovery opportunity. While this break allows Mac Allister to fully recover and prepare for future games, it is important to note that he will still be involved in training to maintain his fitness and rhythm. This rare respite will help to maintain freshness, especially given the demands of the season. The return of Mac Allister, alongside the potential returns of other key players, will undoubtedly add another dimension to Liverpool's strength and depth in the latter half of the season. The focus now shifts to the Fulham game, and the other pivotal matches ahead, with Liverpool aiming for a strong finish to the year.
