Liverpool: New footage sparks fan fears over shock double blow for Man City clash

Mac Allister looks likely to form part of Andoni Iraola’s double midfield pivot against City, alongside Ryan Gravenberch, with Szoboszlai potentially pushed further forward as Liverpool are forced to adapt in attack following the injuries sustained by Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo during the extended three-week international break.

However, concerns over the duo’s involvement in the game were raised on social media on Sunday morning, when it was reported - via video footage supplied by journalist Keefe Irwin on X - that neither player had been spotted with the rest of the squad at Liverpool’s team hotel.

It remained to be seen if they simply arrived at a different time or had alternative arrangements, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker among those seen arriving in the background, though their initial absence was enough to spark concern among supporters.

Fears over Mac Allister did look to be quickly calmed by his own subsequent post on his Instagram Stories, in which he posted his usual matchday photo.

Liverpool fans will now nervously await an official update on the pair ahead of kick-off on Merseyside at 4:30pm BST, with lineups expected to be announced at 3:15pm.

If either Mac Allister or Szoboszlai were to be absent, it could lead to further opportunities for talented Liverpool youngsters such as Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas, who was with the squad on Sunday morning.

Erling Haaland will be fit to start for City after he was seen limping and asked to be substituted while in action for Norway last weekend, while Antoine Semenyo has also shaken off a knock that saw him pull out of the Ghana squad.

Nico O’Reilly remains a doubt with the injury that curtailed his England involvement early, while Phil Foden serves the final match of a three-game suspension handed down following his sending off in the Manchester derby last month.