Alexis Mac Allister has returned to Liverpool's pre-season training with a new look after undergoing a hair transplant, joking that he now resembles teammate Dominik Szoboszlai.
Return to training
The 27-year-old midfielder enjoyed an extended break following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in New York, where Ferran Torres scored the winner. He returned to the AXA Training Centre wearing designer sunglasses and a slicked-back ponytail wig, posting a photo on Instagram with the caption: "Back in training. The implant took effect quickly, im just like you Dominik Szoboszlai."
Team reaction
Teammates Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch responded positively, with Gakpo calling the look "beautiful". Mac Allister had surprised fans earlier in the season by shaving his head for the first time, but admitted in March that he might seek a transplant after the World Cup, saying: "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."
Fan concerns
Some supporters have expressed worries that the procedure could affect his ability to head the ball, with one fan commenting: "Great, our centre mid can't head a ball for 2 months and the season starts in 24 days." Another added: "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."
Liverpool face Como on Sunday before opening their Premier League campaign away at Newcastle in 11 days, with Andoni Iraola beginning his tenure.
