Just when Liverpool could do without another worry, two important names appear to be missing from the picture.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were reportedly not spotted at Liverpool’s team hotel this morning ahead of this afternoon’s huge Premier League clash against Manchester City at Anfield.
Naturally, that has got supporters asking questions.
With Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak already ruled out through injury, Liverpool can hardly afford to lose more attacking and midfield options before facing the Premier League leaders.
But before anybody panics, there is an important point to make.
Not being seen at the team hotel does not automatically mean either player is injured or unavailable.
There has been no confirmed explanation in the report itself, so we need to be careful about jumping to conclusions.
Liverpool really cannot afford another setback
The timing is what makes this concerning.
Liverpool have already been dealt a frustrating blow during the international break, with Isak and Gakpo both returning with injuries.
Andoni Iraola confirmed on Friday that neither forward would be ready to face Manchester City. Reuters reported that Isak had suffered a minor thigh injury, while Gakpo was dealing with an ankle problem.
That leaves Liverpool with fewer attacking options for one of the biggest fixtures of their season so far.
Now, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai reportedly absent from the hotel, supporters are understandably wondering whether there is another problem developing.
If either midfielder were unavailable, it would force Iraola to reconsider his plans for a match in which Liverpool need their strongest possible team.
However, until the club confirms the situation, it would be wrong to assume the worst.
Why Mac Allister and Szoboszlai matter so much
Mac Allister brings composure, passing and an ability to help Liverpool control the midfield.
Szoboszlai offers energy, pressing, forward runs and the ability to create something from nothing.
They bring different qualities, but both could be important against a Manchester City side that will look to dominate possession and punish mistakes.
Liverpool need players who can compete physically, move the ball quickly and help the team get forward when opportunities arise.
Losing either would be a concern. Losing both would represent a much bigger selection headache.
And with Isak and Gakpo already missing, the thought of further absences is hardly encouraging.
We need answers before drawing conclusions
For now, I would be cautious about reading too much into the hotel report.
Players can arrive separately, stay elsewhere or simply avoid being seen by the people watching the team’s movements. Their absence from one location is not proof of an injury.
The important information will be Liverpool’s confirmed team news and, ultimately, the starting XI at Anfield.
Until then, we can only wait.
Liverpool face Manchester City at 4.30pm today, and it is a match in which Iraola will want as many of his key players available as possible.
Hopefully, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are both fine and this turns out to be nothing more than a scare.
Liverpool have already had enough injury frustration during this international break.
The last thing we need is another problem before City arrive.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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