Alexis Mac Allister absence explained as Liverpool midfielder missing for Crystal Palace game

Alexis Mac Allister is missing from the Liverpool squad for today's game against Crystal Palace through injury.

The Argentine midfielder sat out the defeat to Brighton on Monday after struggling recently with injury and is again absent for the final day encounter at Anfield, when Liverpool's players will finally get their hands on the Premier League title.

He had only come off the bench in the games against Chelsea and Arsenal and Arne Slot revealed that the World Cup winner would not feature again this season, ensuring he is in the best shape to be ready for pre-season this summer.

Slot said: "Alexis will not play for us this season anymore. He needs rest at this moment in time to recover completely and to be ready for the start of next season, but it will be no problem for him to be back next season.

"I think he played throughout the last part of the season with the Argentinian mentality he has. Never gives up, no matter what he feels, but it is not smart to play a player that has, not a big injury but something to take a risk with."

Curtis Jones was handed another start by Slot for the encounter, with Virgil van Dijk also returning after sitting out the loss against Brighton. Trent Alexander-Arnold could make a substitute appearance on his last game for the club.

(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

In his program notes, Slot sent a message to Liverpool supporters over their treatment of the departing defender. He wrote: "This is one of the biggest days in the modern history of Liverpool Football Club, so it makes sense that we all contribute to making it as positive as it can be and enjoy it as much as possible. Again, nothing else matters.

"The reason I am saying this is I am as aware as anyone of the situation around Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and I know because these feelings have been made clear that there are some of you who would prefer for him not to be involved today.

"As I have said from the outset, it is not my place to question how people feel, particularly when they give as much to Liverpool FC as our supporters do. What I maybe should do more though is explain why as a head coach I see things differently.

"Firstly, as his manager I am as disappointed as anyone that Trent is leaving. But also as his manager I have a responsibility to take care of all of my players even at moments when I am disappointed. This is an essential part of my role at all times.

"On top of this, I can only ever appreciate every player who has contributed to what we have achieved this season.

"The future can and will look after itself and we will move on as a club, just as Liverpool always has. But in the here and now, every single player who has worn a red shirt this season by being part of this team and helped us become champions can only have my appreciation."

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