Star All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter has been ruled out of Saturday’s Test against Australia after picking up a calf injury at training.

Coach Steve Hansen said Carter suffered tightness in his leg after training on Monday and has been diagnosed with a calf strain. He is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks.

Aside from the opening Rugby Championship Test in Sydney on Saturday, Carter will miss a Test against the Wallabies in Wellington a week later and may be in doubt for the September 7 Test against Argentina in Hamilton.

Chiefs first five-eighth Aaron Cruden is likely to deputise for Carter with Beauden Barrett also in the squad for the Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks’ side for Saturday’s Test will be named on Thursday.

Carter, 31, last week said he will take a six-month break from rugby following the All Blacks tour of Europe in November.

“I’ve had a few injury niggles over recent years, so I’m keen to ensure I do everything I can to recover fully from those and prolong my career,” he said at the time.