Brodie Retallick will miss the All Blacks test against South Africa in Wellington after injuring his shoulder in the 46-24 win over the Pumas in Nelson.
The 27-year-old fell hard in a tackle in the opening few minutes, receiving attention from the All Blacks medical staff.
Retallick tried to continue but left the field a short time later, replaced by Sam Whitelock.
Coach Steve Hansen has slapped a minimum timeline of three-weeks recovery for his star lock forward, but it could be up to six before he is fit to return, meaning Retallick may miss the rest of the Rugby Championship.
Hansen confirmed on Sunday that Auckland lock Patrick Tuipulotu will join the squad as cover for the remainder of the tournament.
Second-five Ngani Laumape is also set for a at least three-weeks on the sideline after suffering a knee injury in the first-half against Argentina.
The Hurricanes midfield back was only in the squad as injury cover for Sonny Bill Williams, who is scheduled to make his return against South Africa.
The Springboks will arrive in Wellington off the back of two straight defeats. South Africa were hammered in Mendoza against the Pumas two weeks ago, before suffering a 23-18 loss at the hands of the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday night.
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