Alexis Mac Allister’s involvement against Newcastle United is in question after the midfielder was not seen with Liverpool’s 21-man squad upon their arrival in the city on Sunday evening.
The focus leading up to Monday night’s match has largely been on who Arne Slot will select at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong ruled out through injury and both Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez lacking full fitness.
Bradley has, however, travelled with the squad and was among the players pictured arriving at the INNSiDE hotel on Newcastle’s quayside.
Mac Allister’s absence raises eyebrows, with speculation suggesting he may be staying behind due to personal reasons, as his partner Ailen is currently pregnant with their first child.
Should the Argentine midfielder miss out at St James’ Park, Slot is expected to provide clarification, much like he did when Ryan Gravenberch was absent from the Community Shield to welcome his newborn daughter.
In Mac Allister’s absence, Curtis Jones would likely start in midfield alongside Gravenberch, with Dominik Szoboszlai potentially dropping into defence.
This reshuffle would leave Liverpool light on midfield options from the bench, with only Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo available as reinforcements.
Although Bradley has travelled, Slot is reportedly weighing up the possibility of deploying Szoboszlai or Endo at right-back, as neither Bradley nor Gomez is deemed fit enough to complete a full 90 minutes.
Other notable absentees include Frimpong, sidelined by injury, and Kostas Tsimikas, who has yet to feature since the Community Shield as he nears a likely transfer before next week’s deadline.
On a brighter note, new signing Giovanni Leoni is expected to take a place on the bench.
The 18-year-old, who joined before the season opener, was not registered in time to feature against Bournemouth but could make his first squad appearance on Monday.
Read more: Arne Slot confident in Liverpool’s attack despite Alexander Isak pursuit
Kostas Tsimikas considering exit as Roma enter race for Liverpool defender
Liverpool midfielder eager to make first competitive appearance
