FORMER Hartpury College footballer Mustapha Bundu has resumed training with Hannover 96 as he works his way back from a muscular problem.

The Sierra Leone international returned to the training pitch on Tuesday, August 25, as Hannover began preparations for Sunday's 2. Bundesliga trip to Darmstadt.

Hannover said Bundu was among three players working individually, with the 29-year-old following his own programme rather than joining full team training.

He continued to train individually on Wednesday as he stepped up his recovery from the latest setback of an injury-hit period.

Bundu missed Saturday's emphatic 9-1 DFB-Pokal victory over fifth-tier SV Hemelingen after experiencing what Hannover described as a "muscular reaction" following training last Thursday.

The forward had already suffered a fractured right hand during a pre-season friendly against VfL Osnabrück in July.

Bundu remarkably played on after suffering the fracture and assisted Benjamin Källman's goal before later being fitted with a brace.

He has nevertheless started both of Hannover's opening 2. Bundesliga fixtures this season before the muscular problem ruled him out of their cup tie.

Bundu is one of Hartpury's most successful footballing exports, having studied and played at Hartpury College after arriving in Britain from Sierra Leone.

While studying at Hartpury, he also played for Hereford FC, scoring regularly during the club's rise through the non-league pyramid before earning a move into professional football.

His career subsequently took him across Europe before he returned to English football with Plymouth Argyle in 2023.

He left Plymouth following their relegation that summer and joined Hannover on a free transfer in July 2025.

Bundu made 22 2. Bundesliga appearances during his first season in Germany, scoring four goals and providing five assists despite suffering a knee ligament injury in December.

He has now entered his second campaign with Hannover and will hope his return to training signals another comeback.