Liverpool fans can breathe a little easier after manager Arne Slot offered a positive update on Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness, hinting the midfielder could return for Sunday’s blockbuster clash against Arsenal at Anfield.

A Nervous Absence at Newcastle

The Argentine playmaker was a noticeable absentee in Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle on Monday night. Many supporters feared the worst when news broke that he had withdrawn from training over the weekend with a fitness issue.

Given Mac Allister’s importance in controlling the tempo of Liverpool’s midfield, his absence left plenty of Reds concerned ahead of such a big week in the title race.

Speaking after the Newcastle game, Slot admitted the decision to leave Mac Allister out was more about precaution than panic.

The midfielder had felt something in training just two days before the match. Normally, that wouldn’t be a major problem—but because Mac Allister had already endured a disrupted pre-season, Slot felt it was too much of a gamble to involve him in such an intense fixture.

“This kind of match demands extreme fitness,” Slot explained. “If you’ve missed a large part of pre-season and then feel something in training, the risk is simply too high. We have a long season ahead, and I didn’t want to jeopardize that.”

Hopes High for Arsenal Showdown

The good news for Liverpool fans is that Slot does not believe the issue to be serious. In fact, he is optimistic Mac Allister will be ready to face Arsenal at Anfield this weekend.

“I’m hopeful things improve in the next couple of days,” the manager said. “If that happens, he’ll be available for Sunday.”

Injuries have already tested Liverpool’s depth this season, and Slot’s careful handling of Mac Allister shows he’s playing the long game. While the temptation may have been to throw the midfielder straight back into action, the manager’s decision underlines a commitment to protecting players for the marathon ahead—not just the next sprint.

For now, all eyes turn to Anfield on Sunday, where fans will be hoping to see Mac Allister back in red, pulling the strings in midfield as Liverpool aim to keep their momentum rolling.