Barnet defender Sam Muggleton has suffered a small fracture in his leg, a scan has revealed, but Martin Allen says he can’t put a timeframe on his return.

The 18-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a blow to his shin in the Bees’ 1-1 draw at Braintree Town in September, but Allen has now confirmed Muggleton suffered more than bruising on the bone.

Speaking after Tuesday’s defeat by Torquay United, Allen said: “He has been recovering well but still in pain. He went for an MRI scan last week and he has a small fracture which was not seen the first time. I don’t think he’s got a broken leg.

“It has been five, nearly six weeks now, so he has not really done a lot, because he has been in pain all the way through it. I don’t know how long he is going to be now.”

Muggleton has made two league starts and seven substitute appearances for the Bees since joining permanently from Gillingham in the summer following a brief loan stay at the end of last season.