New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder will undergo surgery next week to reinforce his abdominal wall.
Ryder has not responded to rehabilitation as well as expected after he was sidelined with the problem last October.
Black Caps coach Mark Greatbatch says 25-year-old Ryder's international return rests on whether he is able to regain full fitness.
"He is disappointed but realises that surgery is the best step forward at this time," said Greatbatch.
"He will have to undergo extensive fitness testing then prove himself fully fit in domestic first-class cricket.
"His return to the Black Caps is entirely dependent on him being fit and injury free."
