The Highlanders have lost their second player for the season with Jason Emery rupturing his achilles, while Liam Squire is set for a four to six week spell.
Emery's injury occurred while playing for the Highlanders second string team the Bravehearts against the Crusader Knights in the curtain-raiser to Saturday night's match.
He will miss the entire as he rehabs the injury post-surgery.
Emery joins first five-eighth Hayden Parker on the sideline for 2017 and continues a horror run of injuries for the Highlanders.
"I really feel for Jason, he has looked very sharp through preseason and was looking to make it a big year. I know he is a positive guy and he will work hard to come back from this and get back to fitness for 2018." Highlanders coach Tony Brown.
While it is a blow for the Highlanders Emery's injury will also put a major dent in Manawatu's hopes when the provincial season rolls around.
It is a matter of looking at who is available at the moment for the Highlanders as they try to put together a team for their next game against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.
The Highlanders have been without senior players Luke Whitelock, Ash Dixon, Dan Pryor, Shane Christie, Luke Whitelock, and Marty Banks.
Hooker Adrian Smith tore his calf in the warm-up before the 30-27 loss to the Crusaders in Dunedin while flanker James Lentjes dislocated his elbow during the game.
Fellow loose forward Squire has also now joined the injured list as well.
He injured his knee early in the game against the Crusaders in Dunedin on Saturday night but continued to play on.
The extent of the injury was revealed on Tuesday with Squire now expected to be sidelined four to six weeks in what is another big blow for the Highlanders.
The good news is one of the Highlanders best players in 2016, Luke Whitelock, is back training and will bolster the bruised loose forward stocks.
But without Pryor, Christie, Lentjes and Squire the loose forward depth is being given the ultimate test.
Otago flanker Dillon Hunt is expected to line up against the Blues on Saturday.
Brown was however remaining positive.
"Unfortunately injuries are part of the game and while we are having our depth tested currently, we have faith in the resilience and talent within our squad. On the up side, hopefully, a few of our senior players will be back soon."
Photo: Teaukura Moetaua (Highlanders back Jason Emery has suffered a season ending injury)