United sports therapist Katie Cooper told bufc.co.uk: “Unfortunately we will be missing Ryan Semple for a while longer following the hyper-extension of his knee against Bishop’s Stortford in January.

“The knee did not settle down as expected and further assessments to the knee joint failed, which in one sense is a good thing.

“However, I decided to refer Semps for an MRI scan to make sure that there was definitely not any structural damage and to investigate further what was going on inside his knee.

“Unfortunately for Semps the scans have shown a very small tibial plateau fracture with some bone bruising.

“This is a small crack on the articular cartilage surface of his shinbone. Ryan has now been referred to an orthopaedic consultant who will be able to give us more of an indication of how long he will be out for and recommend the fastest and safest return back to fitness.”

Semple has scored nine goals in 89 appearances for the Pilgrims since switching from county rivals Gainsborough Trinity in March 2010.