Liverpool have revealed that Curtis Jones will spend a further few weeks on the sidelines with an eye injury.
The midfielder missed the games with Atletico Madrid and West Ham United before the international break due to an accidental collision in training.
The initial suggestion was that the academy graduate may have recover in time to return for the Arsenal fixture on November 20.
However, the Merseyside giants have announced that the 20-year-old will not return until December at the earliest as he continues to go through a period of rehabilitation.
Speaking to Liverpool's official website, doctor Jim Moxon said: "It's a freak injury and very unlucky, but the important thing to emphasise is there is no lasting damage and his vision won't be impacted beyond the recovery period.
"However, the nature of the issue means caution is important; we need to allow it time to heal and we can't rush it, therefore it won't be a speedy return. It needs to mend before we are able to reintroduce Curtis to full training, but there are things he can do in the meantime to maintain fitness.
"We can't put a specific timescale on a return beyond it will be a number of weeks from now as it heals naturally, so it's not one we will risk and patience is a virtue with this specific recovery."
Jones has made six starts and three substitute outings this season, scoring one goal.
Darren Plant
