Ben Smith should be back for the Highlanders next week as the fog around his future clears.
It was revealed yesterday that Smith (31) has not in fact picked up any concussions this year and instead has been suffering from an inner-ear infection, which has made him appear dizzy and nauseous.
It was diagnosed this week after some rigorous testing over the past few days by All Black medical staff.
Smith is back with the All Blacks this week although he will not play the deciding test in Auckland tomorrow night.
All Black coach Steve Hansen revealed the development concerning Smith at a media conference in Auckland yesterday.
He said it was an enormous relief for Smith and the All Blacks.
"Ben has had some tests done over the last seven or eight days and he has been cleared of concussion and he doesn’t have a concussion problem," Hansen said.
"He wasn’t knocked out. What he does have, though, is an inner-ear malfunction which is causing him to get a bit of vertigo and dizziness.
"That is great for Ben and [his wife] Katie and takes a weight off their shoulders. What we have deemed to think was concussion three or four times this year was in fact a different problem which we have been able to identify and start to medicate."
The inner-ear problem can be caused by an infection in the ear, which can take a while to be detected.
Smith was thought to be concussed in the opening match of the season for the Highlanders and then again in two games in June.
He left the field when the Highlanders played the Crusaders on June 3 in Christchurch and was forced off in the first half in the first test against the British and Irish Lions in Auckland on June 24.
There were real doubts over when Smith would get back on the field any time soon but it now appears he will be back and firing as early as next week.
The Highlanders are scheduled to take on the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium next Friday night.