FORMER Hartpury star Mustapha Bundu has suffered another injury setback after being ruled out for several weeks by Hannover 96.

The Sierra Leone international was forced off just 15 minutes into Hannover’s 2-2 draw with Karlsruher SC on Friday evening.

Hannover have now confirmed the extent of his latest setback after the 29-year-old underwent an MRI examination on Monday morning.

The German club said Bundu had suffered a structural muscle injury to his left thigh, with tendon involvement, and confirmed he will be unavailable for several weeks.

Bundu suffered the injury while attempting a shot inside the Karlsruhe penalty area during the 13th minute.

He immediately grabbed his left thigh and went to ground before receiving treatment from Hannover’s medical staff.

The attacker was eventually helped from the pitch with his thigh heavily bandaged and replaced by Husseyn Chakroun.

His latest setback comes shortly after Hannover revealed Bundu had been training individually because of what the club described as a “muscular reaction”.

He had returned to full training and recovered sufficiently to earn a place in the starting line-up against Karlsruhe before his comeback was cut short.

Bundu had also suffered a hand injury during Hannover’s pre-season preparations.

The forward retains strong links with the Forest of Dean after spending three years at Hartpury, where he combined his studies with playing football.

He began his professional career with Hereford before his performances earned him a move to Danish side Aarhus GF.

Bundu has since played for Anderlecht, FC Copenhagen and Plymouth Argyle before moving to Germany, where he now represents Hannover in the second tier.

Hannover have not put an exact date on Bundu’s return, with the club saying only that the former Hartpury man will be missing for several weeks.