Dan Carter, Perpignan's New Zealand fly-half, will miss Saturday's decisive Heineken Cup match against the Ospreys after being told to rest for a week.

The 26-year-old felt pain in his left achilles tendon during the first half of Perpignan's 40-14 win over Bourgoin and was replaced at half-time as a precaution.

He underwent tests yesterday and was reassured to be diagnosed with only mild inflammation, but will nevertheless sit out this weekend's match.

The Perpignan doctor, Carlos Vela, told L'Equipe: "Dan has not suffered a tear but a slight inflammation of the upper middle of the tendon that primarily requires rest and appropriate care, but there is nothing serious."

Carter expressed his disappointment after coming off against Bourgoin. "From the half-hour mark, I felt the pain getting sharper and I thought it wise to go off at half-time," he said.

"It's frustrating because I wanted to play and the team were playing very well."