Alexis Mac Allister returned to Liverpool training ahead of the new season after the Reds midfielder underwent a hair transplant while on holiday following the World Cup
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during a training session
Alexis Mac Allister has returned to training after undergoing a hair transplant during his summer break(Image: Liverpool FC)
Alexis Mac Allister has returned to Liverpool training ahead of the new season with a noticeably different look after undergoing a hair transplant during his post-World Cup holiday.
Mac Allister first surprised Liverpool supporters in March when he was pictured with a shaved head and buzz cut for the first time in his career.
The Argentina international underwent a dramatic change during the summer break, with fans spotting a scar consistent with a recent hair transplant while he signed autographs at an airport. The 27-year-old had previously hinted that a hair transformation was among his plans for the summer following the World Cup.
Speaking back in March, he said: “We’ll see if we can plant a bit more after the World Cup. Right now, time is a bit of a constraint. But I’m really happy, I feel like I’m better off than before. Let’s see if there’s a little sponsorship deal.”
Mac Allister’s new look was also visible in the latest pictures from Liverpool's training ground, with marks from the hair transplant still noticeable on the midfielder’s scalp as he returned to preparations for the new season.
While Mac Allister appears pleased with his decision to refresh his look, Liverpool fans have been left concerned about whether the midfielder will be able to head the ball comfortably while his scalp continues to heal following the procedure.
“Great, our center mid can’t head a ball for 2 months and the season starts in 24 days,” one fan lamented.
Another wrote: “Nice so he can’t head the ball for the next few months which was one of the only things he still had going for him.”
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After a difficult Premier League campaign with Liverpool ended with the Reds finishing a disappointing fifth, Mac Allister joined up with Argentina for their World Cup title defense in North America.
The 27-year-old played a key role throughout the tournament, helping Argentina to several memorable victories, including a semifinal triumph over England.
However, the Argentinians were unable to retain their crown after suffering a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.
The midfielder still has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract, although the club has yet to open talks with the Argentina international over a potential extension.
Mac Allister's future has also come under scrutiny amid rumors linking him with a move to Real Madrid as well as surprise reports linking him with a move to Manchester City, although such a deal does not appear to be one Liverpool would consider.
Reds head coach Andoni Iraola has already indicated that Mac Allister’s delayed return to preseason training is likely to rule him out of a starting role during the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, which begins for Liverpool against Newcastle on August 23.