The defender has trained this week having missed the club`s last two games with a calf injury, yet manager Brendan Rodgers does not feel it would be right to risk him so soon.
He believes the nature of the injury combined with the current weather conditions and lack of ability to train on grass means Monk is more suited to a return in next Friday`s home test against Millwall.
Rodgers could keep faith with the same back four who lost 2-1 to Portsmouth last time out or recall Neil Taylor to full-back and move Alan Tate into the heart of defence in place of Albert Serran.
Deadline-day loan signing Jermaine Easter missed the Pompey defeat as he works his way back from a thigh injury, and it remains to be seen whether the striker will be declared fit in time for the trip to Portman Road.
Source: PA
Source: PA