Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was left out of Sunday’s FA Cup win over Norwich City due to injury.
The Reds moved into the fifth round of the competition after beating the Canaries 5-2 at Anfield where the home fans produced a brilliant rendition for Jurgen Klopp.
The Argentine midfielder picked up a knock and Klopp didn’t want to risk him. He said after the game that if it was a deciding fixture or the last game of the season, he would have picked him.
However, with so many important games left to be played, he decided to give him rest. He expected Mac Allister to be back as early as Wednesday (2 February) when Liverpool will face Chelsea in the Premier League.
“Alexis, I would say [if it was the] last game of the season, decider or whatever, he could have played, but in all games not,” said Klopp, as quoted by Liverpoolfc.com.
“He felt a little bit and we just said no, no and I don’t want to know more, so that’s just it. We gave him a rest. I think he should be ready for Wednesday.”
Smart decision
Mac Allister, who is on £150k-per-week deal at Anfield, is a key player under Klopp, and it’s important to use him wisely. Liverpool have enough depth in midfield, and Klopp trusts his players to do the job.
The 25-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist in 16 starts in the Premier League this season.
The likes of Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch scored for the Reds, and Klopp will be really delighted with this effort. Andy Robertson made his return to action after a long injury lay-off. His timely return to the side at this crucial stage of the season will give a massive boost to the side.
It appears that Mac Allister’s injury is not serious and he will be back shortly, possibly in the next game.
