Injured All Black first-five-eighth Dan Carter is unlikely to play a part in the All Blacks' Tri-Nations campaign this year.
Carter tore an Achillies tendon during his sabbatical with French club Perpignan last month and has remained in France while he recovers from surgery.
All Black doctor DebRobinson has been in communication with Carter and Perpignan's medical staff and says he is progressing well but is doubtful he could return straight to top-level rugby.
"I think he will play some rugby after the six month (rehabilitation) period, but at what level I'm not sure," Robinson said.
"This injury is a good example of how people can recover to be able to play their sport but they may not get the absolute power, pace that's required to play at the very top level.
"It's a little bit like ACL (knee) ruptures, the guys come back and play rugby but they're probably not really good for a little while after they start."
No decision has been made over whether Carter will return home or continue his rehabilitation in France, Robsinon said.
Carter is required to wear a moon boot for eight weeks after surgery and a decision will be made then.
"He's getting looked after really well over there, they probably get more day-to-day care than we do over here post surgery and overall we're pretty happy with how things are going," Robinson.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said while he would like Carter back in New Zealand, there is no point forcing him to come home.
"He's got things he wants to do over there and he can do those at the same time as rehab," Henry said.
"Him feeling good about things and feeling positive is part of the rehab process and if we force him to do things he might not want to do I think that would be a negative."
Henry said it is too early to nominate candidates for the All Black No 10 jersey but he will be closely monitoring form in the Super 14 during April and May.
