Tierney, 26, had been hoping to return from almost four months on the sidelines during the Canaries' Barclays Premier League run-in. But he aggravated the problem playing for the reserves last Tuesday and a specialist deemed an operation necessary.
Lambert told a press conference: "Marc Tierney has had operation on his groin injury and will be out until pre-season."
There was better news for fellow defender Daniel Ayala (knee), who did not need to go under the knife despite breaking down in the same game.
The 21-year-old has managed just 10 appearances for Norwich since his summer move from Liverpool, the last more than two months ago.
Lambert added: "Ayala has seen specialist but hasn't needed surgery."
Source: PA
Source: PA