The All Blacks loose forward crisis has been dealt another blow with news that Highlanders back-rower Liam Squire broke his thumb during the sensational comeback win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Squire will join national captain Kieran Read and two-time World Cup winner Jerome Kaino on the sidelines as the countdown to the British and Irish Lions series hits the eight-week mark.
Squire was considered a candidate to cover any potential void that would be left should either Read or Kaino fail to recover in time for the much-anticipated Test series.
The 26-year-old suffered the injury early on against the Cheetahs, and 20 minutes into the game was replaced by Gareth Evans.
Coach Tony Brown conformed to NZME their worst fears have been realised.
"It is broken and he's on the plane home," said Brown. "He's probably looking at six weeks out for a broken thumb.
"With Kieran Read out, Liam was probably next cab off the rank [for the All Blacks]. Hopefully, both Kieran and Jerome Kaino can get in time for the Lions.
"He's a massive loss for us."
Read is expected to play for the Crusaders against the Lions two-weeks before the first Test while Kaino is hoping to return for the Blues in four or five weeks' time.
Newshub.