The All Blacks have suffered another major injury blow, with one of their rising stars ruled out for the rest of 2026 after undergoing surgery.
The setback comes at a bad time for head coach Dave Rennie, who is preparing to name his squad for November's Nations Championship.
New Zealand face Scotland, Wales and England during their European tour.
They are already without several key players, and the latest injury has added to Rennie's problems.
All Blacks confirm fresh injury blow
Winger Leroy Carter will not play again this year after undergoing ankle surgery.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury while scoring a try against Australia at Eden Park on 10 October.
He was forced off during the match and later missed Saturday's 43-21 win over the Wallabies in Sydney.
The All Blacks confirmed Carter's absence ahead of their upcoming squad announcement.
Carter has impressed since breaking into the New Zealand side. His pace and attacking threat have made him a useful option out wide.
His absence leaves Rennie with another selection headache before the November Tests.
All Blacks injury list grows
Carter joins several other players on the sidelines.
Ardie Savea, Ruben Love and Luke Jacobson have also been dealing with injuries.
Fly-half Richie Mo'unga is another concern after suffering a calf injury.
Rennie recently revealed that Mo'unga could need six to eight weeks to recover, putting his November availability in doubt.
The injury comes after New Zealand's 43-21 victory over Australia, which secured a Bledisloe Cup series sweep.
Rennie must now weigh up his options before naming his touring squad.
The All Blacks begin their European campaign against Scotland before facing Wales and England.
Their meeting with England at Twickenham is set to be one of the biggest matches of November.
