The All Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen will play no further part in the English Premier League season because of a knee injury.
The defender, who has had recurring problems since January, came off during last weekend's draw at Birmingham and had surgery on Monday.
It's a big blow for Blackburn who are in 15th place in the Premiership, just three points above the relegation zone with six matches remaining.
Manager Steve Kean says he should be back in action in August.
The operation cleared out floating debris in his knee, which Kean says has been causing Nelsen a lot of pain.
