Eagle-eyed Liverpool fans spot ‘special’ player missing from team bus ahead of Newcastle clash
Liverpool will be hoping to return to Anfield with another win as their confrontation against Newcastle United looms.
Liverpool’s upcoming clash against Newcastle is already one of the most anticipated of the season.
Not only is it a blockbuster event between two of the Premier League’s most competitive sides. But Alexander Isak’s potential transfer to Liverpool has created an off-field rivalry between the two teams.
But with the stakes rising and both teams determined to win, a player’s absence threatens to derail the game before the first whistle is blown.
Alexis Mac Allister missing from Liverpool’s team bus
Alexis Mac Allister was a fundamental component of Liverpool’s Premier League title charge last season.
Along with Ryan Gravenberch, both formed a midfield partnership regarded as the best in the top-flight. Upon his and Gravenberch’s return to the squad, Florian Wirtz’s place in the Liverpool team has been called into question.
However, in footage posted by rsgwmemorabilia on TikTok on Sunday, 24 August, the Reds squad can be seen arriving at their hotel ahead of their game against the Magpies.
But fans have expressed concern as Mac Allister was not seen emerging from the bus along with his teammates. This has fueled speculation that he may not be available for the match against Newcastle.
With the clock ticking down until the match action, his absence could be a huge loss for Arne Slot as Adam Lallana dubbed Mac Allister as ‘special’ in 2023.
What is Liverpool’s Premier League record without Alexis Mac Allister?
With Liverpool’s defence already a potential problem against Newcastle, Mac Allister’s absence could add more salt to the wound if their Premier League record without him is anything to go by.
Since the Argentine was signed in 2023, he has missed eight league games. During this time, the Reds have won three, been defeated once and four games ended in a draw.
| Season | W | D | L |
| 2023/24 | 3 | 2 | – |
| 2024/25 | – | 2 | 1 |
| All | 3 | 4 | 1 |
In the 2023/24 season, Liverpool went unbeaten without him, winning three and drawing two. However, during the 2024/25 season, the Reds failed to win a single game, drawing two and losing once.
This indicates that Mac Allister’s importance to Liverpool grew under Slot. As a result, the Reds manager could struggle to limit the threat Newcastle poses without his right-hand man.
Therefore, the best-case scenario for Liverpool could be returning to Anfield with a draw.
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