Civelli has appeared eight times since joining Ipswich in January

Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane says winger Luciano Civelli will need more time to recover from a knee injury after suffering a small setback.

The 23-year-old Argentine suffered extensive ligament damage during a game at Burnley in March.

And Keane told the club's website: "I've been there myself and the recovery is rarely straightforward."

Civelli is being given time to visit his family over Christmas as part of his recovery.

And Keane added: "Obviously it's hard for him being away from his family as well.

"You don't just have to be 16 to suffer from homesickness, it's about getting a balance between doing his recovery work and getting some time off mentally."

Civelli joined Ipswich from Argentine side Club Atletico Banfield in January 2009 and is under contract at Portman Road until the summer of 2012.

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