Liverpool will be without key midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for Saturday’s Merseyside Derby against Everton after the Argentina international was handed a one-match suspension due to accumulating five yellow cards in the Premier League this season.
The referee booked Mac Allister in Liverpool’s midweek 3-3 draw with Newcastle United for a foul on Fabian Schar, marking his fifth league yellow of the campaign. His previous bookings came against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Arsenal, and former club Brighton. According to Premier League rules, any player who collects five yellow cards before the 19th match of the season will automatically serve a one-game suspension.
The suspension also affects Mac Allister’s European campaign. He has already accumulated bookings in Liverpool’s Champions League fixtures against AC Milan, RB Leipzig, and Real Madrid, and will miss the upcoming trip to Girona on December 10 as part of a separate one-match ban.
Liverpool’s midweek draw was a frustrating result, as they conceded a last-minute equalizer after leading 3-2. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s misjudgment allowed Schar to score in the dying moments. Despite the setback, Liverpool stays at the top of the Premier League, though their lead has shrunk to seven points. Chelsea, who won 5-0 against Southampton, now sit in second, with Arsenal just behind on goal difference after a 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
For Saturday’s Merseyside Derby, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot will also be without Mac Allister’s presence in the midfield. Everton, who secured a 4-0 victory over Wolves in midweek, will provide tough competition at Goodison Park.
Mohamed Salah was Liverpool’s standout player in the draw with Newcastle, scoring twice and providing an assist for Curtis Jones. His contract situation remains uncertain, but Slot remains optimistic about the Egyptian’s future. After the match, Slot praised Salah’s contributions: “Every time we need Mo Salah, he scores a goal. He was outstanding in the second half, doing many special things for us.”
Slot also addressed Kelleher’s mistake, acknowledging his strong performances in the absence of injured goalkeeper Alisson. “He has done remarkably well for us, and even today he was good for us,” Slot said, while also noting that Alisson is nearing a return to fitness.
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