*Liverpool captain Alexis “Macca” Mac Allister was conspicuously absent when the squad arrived at the team hotel in Newcastle. No official word has been given, but reports immediately pointed to a family matter – his partner Ailén Cova is due to give birth to their first child. Fans noticed he didn’t step off the team bus and sources say his “possible absence… could be due to the fact his partner Ailen is currently pregnant with their first child”. In other words, Mac Allister is not injured or suspended – it looks like a personal leave for impending fatherhood. Arne Slot hasn’t made a public statement yet, but Liverpool habitually grant leave in such cases (remember when Ryan Gravenberch sat out the Community Shield for the same reason). In short: Macca’s missing not because of fitness but family, and Liverpool fans are bracing for the match without their engine in midfield.

Fans on Edge: Social Media Buzz

Supporters were immediately worried. A barrage of tweets and posts lit up X/Twitter as fans reacted to the news. One voice lamented bluntly: *“No Mac Allister tonight is a big problem…. Jones has to step up big time”*, while another pleaded *“If the rumours that Macca’s out tonight are true then that’s a massive miss … I can’t be having Curtis Jones playing in a game like this”*. Another fan joked darkly, “Mac Allister out vs Newcastle? Yeah, we’re not winning that game,” underlining how crucial they see him. Pundits and fan blogs echoed this, stressing that losing Mac’s tempo-control “would represent a significant setback” given his ability to “control tempo and link play”. The mood among die-hard Reds is tense: while they wish Macca well with baby news, they’re also shouting for Slot to find a Plan B fast.

“We need Mac’s energy!” – Fans worried the midfield will lack bite without him.

“Curtis Jones steps in?” – Many assume Jones will slot into the pivot, but admit it exposes Liverpool on the break.

“Have faith, lads.” – A few optimists point to Gravenberch’s return and the battling spirit of the team as hope.


Midfield Revamp: Jones, Szoboszlai & Tactical Tweaks

With Mac Allister out, Arne Slot will shuffle the midfield. The most obvious change is Curtis Jones dropping into the deeper #6 role alongside returning Ryan Gravenberch. But fans warn this leaves Liverpool vulnerable: the team “often look far too open with [Jones] playing in a deeper role,” since Florian Wirtz doesn’t offer the same defensive cover as, say, a Dom Szoboszlai might. Another idea floating around is to push Szoboszlai into midfield or use a double-pivot differently, but that risks losing Szobo’s attacking spark.

Curtis Jones – Almost certain to start as the new holding mid, partnering Gravenberch. Fans hope he can tackle like Mac and link play, but many worry Liverpool will be stretched on transitions without Mac’s grit.

Dominik Szoboszlai – Might be shuffled into a No.10 or even covering deeper, freeing a fit Conor Bradley to play right-back. He’s creative, but he’s not known for shielding the defence.

Bench Options – The midfield bench is very thin: only Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo would be on hand as pure midfield substitutes. That underscores the risk – Liverpool have almost no depth left in that pivot role.


Tactically, Slot may adjust by having the midfield sit deeper or pack numbers in the middle to compensate for Mac’s absence. Fans have called for extra bodies in front of the back four to prevent the “four-vs-two” scenarios that hurt them against Bournemouth. In short, Liverpool will likely field Jones–Gravenberch in midfield with Wirtz ahead, but supporters know it will be a huge test of their defensive resolve and counter-pressing. As one pundit noted, losing Mac’s ball-winning and tempo management could be a **“massive blow”**.

The Road Ahead: Next Fixtures & Fan Hopes

Looking past the Newcastle showdown, the timing might actually be a blessing in disguise – if this is indeed a one-game absence, Mac Allister could be back in time for the big Arsenal clash at Anfield next weekend. Liverpool face Arsenal on Sunday, so a newborn arrival over the international break means one game missed and then a quick return. Fans are crossing fingers for exactly that: “give us Macca vs Arsenal,” they tweet, knowing how vital he is against top sides.

If Liverpool can grind out a positive result tonight without him, it would be a huge boost – sparking belief that the squad’s depth (with Jones, Endo and the rest) can still compete. If not, then Slot will have tough calls to keep the engine running. Either way, the focus now is on rallying together: supporters and players alike will need to dig deep in these next fixtures, proving that Liverpool’s spirit endures even when family emergencies call our captain away.

Upcoming Games: Newcastle (A, today) – Arsenal (H, Sun). The hope is Mac Allister rejoins the squad very soon, but until then, every game without him tests the Reds’ resolve and depth.