Milan Baros has been ruled out of Liverpool's New Years Day showdown against Chelsea after failing to shrug off the hamstring injury that forced him to miss Tuesday's victory over Southampton.
It was hoped that the Czech striker would have recovered in time to be recalled for the visit of the league leaders but manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Baros will again be sidelined.
He is expected to be fit for the trip to Norwich on Monday.
Steve Finnan has recovered from a leg injury sustained against Southampton and is available for selection.
Benitez, meanwhile, has bemoaned the loss for up to a month of Harry Kewell.
The boss has been delighted with the recent form of the Aussie winger and described his latest groin injury as 'very bad news'.
"Harry has been playing very well lately, scoring goals and providing assists. His level has been gradually improving and this is very bad news," he says.