Alexis Mac Allister‘s availability against Newcastle has been cast into doubt as he was not spotted with the 21-man squad who arrived in the city ahead of Monday’s match.
The focus of Arne Slot‘s team selection has centred around who he will opt to start at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong absent with injury, and neither Conor Bradley nor Joe Gomez fully fit.
The Northern Irishman has, however, travelled with the squad to Newcastle, with a 21-man squad pictured arriving at the INNSiDE hotel on the quayside.
One player who could miss out, though, is Mac Allister, who was not among the players who disembarked the bus on Sunday evening.
His possible absence from Monday’s proceedings could be due to the fact his partner Ailen is currently pregnant with their first child.
If he does miss out on the clash at St James’ Park, expect Slot to explain why, as he did for Ryan Gravenberch after he missed the Community Shield to welcome his daughter with partner Cindy.
Squad spotted in Newcastle
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez, Bradley
Midfielders: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Elliott
Forwards: Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Wirtz, Chiesa, Ngumoha
Curtis Jones will be expected to take on a role in midfield alongside Gravenberch if the Argentine cannot be involved, with Szoboszlai likely to be needed in defence.
It will leave Liverpool short on midfield options from the bench as the abovementioned plan would result in only Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo left for Slot to turn to.
Although Bradley is with the squad, Slot will be considering Szoboszlai or Endo at right-back, with neither the No. 12 nor Gomez ready to play the full 90 minutes.
@rsgwmemorabilia Liverpool players arriving in Newcastle refusing to sign ???#liverpool #liverpoolfc #premierleaguechampions #championsleaguewinners #foryoupage ? You'll Never Walk Alone – Gerry And The Pacemakers
Other notable absentees include Frimpong (injury) and Kostas Tsimikas, who has not been involved in any squad since the Community Shield with a transfer expected before next week’s deadline.
There is a place for new signing Giovanni Leoni, with a place on the bench expected for the 18-year-old at the first time of asking following his arrival prior to the opening game of the season.
He was not registered in time to be part of the squad against Bournemouth.