Replacing Aaron Smith sits comfortably in the ''too hard'' basket, but the Highlanders have at least reportedly signed Waikato No9 Jack Stratton as cover.
Highlanders and All Black halfback Smith is to be a father and has just become engaged.
That is the good news. The bad news for him is that he has sprained his ankle and is out for up to six weeks.
The loss of Smith (30) is a huge blow to the Highlanders in what has been a disappointing past couple of weeks for the franchise.
Smith picked up a high ankle sprain in the dying stages of the side's loss to the Blues in Eden Park last Friday night. He soldiered on and did not leave the field as the Highlanders unsuccessfully tried to get back and draw the game.
The Highlanders were lucky to sign Stratton as soon as they did. Players as a rule do not wait around in case there is an injury.
They seek out deals overseas and head offshore. Highlanders winger Tevita Nabura injured his knee in early February at the start of the season and the Highlanders have yet to name a permanent replacement.
The Highlanders already had Kayne Hammington and exciting youngster Folau Fakatava as back-ups to Smith within their squad.
Hammington (28) has played more than 25 games of Super Rugby, mostly off the bench while Fakatava (19) is in his first season at this level. They will be expected to fill the hole left by Smith's absence.
Smith announced on social media earlier this month he is to be a father and then announced yesterday he is engaged to partner Teagan Voykovich.
The Highlanders are on a bye this week and will come together on Sunday to start preparing for the game against the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on April 5. The side started with two wins but has lost its past three games - with an abandoned fixture against the Crusaders in between.
It has also lost Liam Squire with a knee injury for two months.