All Black Cameron Roigard has been ruled out of two tests in Argentina, New Zealand Rugby announced Sunday, with the scrum-half joining a worrying injury list ahead of the Rugby Championship.
Roigard suffered a stress fracture to his foot while playing in last month's 3-0 home series sweep of an under-strength France.
Scan results confirmed he won't be fit for tests against the Pumas in Cordoba on August 16 and Buenos Aires a week later, robbing New Zealand of a speedy half, who has emerged as a key player under coach Scott Robertson.
The 24-year-old's availability for two home tests against South Africa in September is unclear.
Robertson will need to dig into his scrum-half depth when naming a 36-man squad on Monday to travel to Argentina.
Noah Hotham was already ruled out with an ankle injury, leaving only Cortez Ratima available from the three scrum-halves involved in the France series.
Robertson may consider a recall for 23-cap scrum-half Finlay Christie, whose last test was more than a year ago against England.
Another candidate is Otago Highlander Folau Fakatava, who made two bench appearances against Ireland in 2022.
Robertson had previously said first-choice prop Tyrel Lomax and winger Caleb Clarke will miss the Argentina tests as they recuperate from injury, along with Hotham and back-rower Luke Jacobson.
Captain Scott Barrett is likely to be included after missing the last two French tests with a calf muscle complaint.
His brother and playmaker Beauden Barrett is also expected to be available after shaking off an injury, along with key forwards Tupou Vaa'i, Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams.