The influential midfielder has yet to return to England, but scans in his home country indicate that he has a groin injury which will keep him out for at least a couple of weeks. A full assessment will be made by club staff on Safri's return to Norfolk.
The news completes a miserable few days for 28-year-old Safri with the 2-2 draw with Tunisia eliminating Morocco from the World Cup. The former Coventry player now faces the prospect of missing as many as five matches just as the team's fortunes had begun to improve.
One man who may be encouraged by the news is Jason Jarrett, who has failed to feature significantly since his move from Wigan Athletic as a ready-made replacement for Damien Francis, who later moved in the opposite direction.
Jarrett, who has failed to make the bench for the last four fixtures and missed a penalty in a recent reserve match, has spoken of his frustration at failing to establish himself in Nigel Worthington's plans.
"I just want to play football and at the moment I am not in the team," he told the Eastern Daily Press. "But I have no regrets about coming here - I stand by my decision. We have only played 12 league games so far so it is early days yet."
Jarrett will hope to feature alongside Andy Hughes and Dean Marney in midfield against Millwall on Saturday, but will face competition for Safri's place from Jim Brennan in particular.