Dan Carter could be out for up to six months after it was revealed surgery may be neccessary to repair his Achilles tendon.
Perpignan's star signing played just once in the Heineken Cup, a man-of-the-match wining performance in Round 4, but he could not help guide the Catalan side to the final eight of the competition.
And it seems he will not be able to help his side improve on their current league position of third place.
Carter played 79 minutes of the 13-all tie with Stade Francias Paris last weekend before retiring with a flare up of the Achilles injury.
After consultation with club doctor Carlos Vela, it was revealed Carter has suffered a partial rupture of the tendon.
Deb Robinson, the All Blacks doctor commented: "Dan will stay in his home in Perpignan for the time being and it is likely that he will need surgery but further exams will be made in the next few days."
Robinson confirmed that Carter could be absent for over six months.
