Tauranga cricketer Kane Williamson is expected to miss the Blackcaps' next two ODIs against Sri Lanka with a minor shoulder injury.

RadioSport report the 24-year-old suffered the injury diving in the field during the first test against Sri Lanka, played on December 26-30, and the niggle was managed in the second test and opening ODI.

Blackcaps batsman Kane Williamson. Photo: File.

He has been ruled out for up to 10 days with the start of next month's ICC Cricket World Cup fast approaching.

Blackcaps coach Mike Hesson told RadioSport Williamson is a very important player and they need to give his shoulder time to fully heal.

It'll see Williamson miss at least the second and third one-dayers, and possibly the fourth depending on his recovery time.

The Blackcaps beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in yesterday's opening ODI at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.

Williamson scored 15 runs before being caught by Mahela Jayawardene off the bowling of Sachithra Senanayake.

The Blackcaps play Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup on February 14 in Christchurch.