Liverpool await official announcement as plans for Manchester United match hit

Alexis Mac Allister is set to be a late return from international duty after Argentina’s friendly with Puerto Rico was moved back a day – and that could have implications ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United

Alexis Mac Allister faces the possibility of returning to Liverpool later than expected ahead of next week’s clash with Manchester United. This comes as Argentina’s fixture against Puerto Rico appears set to be postponed by a day.

World champions Argentina were scheduled to face Puerto Rico on Monday, October 13 at Chicago’s Soldier Field Stadium.

Yet reports have surfaced suggesting the match will be delayed by 24 hours and relocated to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the home ground of Inter Miami sensation and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi.

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This means Reds midfielder Mac Allister may be returning to Merseyside later than originally expected, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The development gives the playmaker reduced preparation time for United’s visit on Sunday, October 19 as Arne Slot seeks to halt a sequence of three consecutive losses.

Chicago Park District spokesman Luca Serra told The Associated Press on Wednesday (September 17) that the Puerto Rico encounter would not take place in Chicago.

“Yes, confirming that the Argentina against Puerto Rico match has been cancelled in Chicago”, Serra stated. “The promoter made the decision this morning due to low ticket sales.”

No official announcement has been issued by the promoter.

An Argentine Football Association official earlier confirmed the switch to the AP, citing the circumstances in Chicago, where United States President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to suppress demonstrations against the immigration crackdown. An official, who wished to remain anonymous as the relocation had not been publicly announced, shared this information.

Over 1,000 immigrants have been apprehended since an immigration crackdown kicked off last month in the Chicago area.

The Trump administration pledged to deploy National Guard troops in its mission to ramp up deportations.

Argentina is set to face Venezuela in another friendly match on Friday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Messi has been selected to participate in both games, which form part of Argentina’s preparations for next year’s World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.

Mac Allister, meanwhile, has had a challenging start to the season.

Despite being one of the stars of last season’s title win, the 26-year-old has grappled with his fitness. Although he has started six out of Liverpool’s seven Premier League matches so far this season, he hasn’t managed to complete any of them.

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