European Tour pro Richard Bland is facing another month out of action through injury.
The Stoneham ace has been diagnosed with two stress fractures of the sacroiliac joint in his pelvis.
It is an injury that has caused Bland, pictured, pain in his lower back during recent weeks and forced him out of two tournaments.
After a scan today, the 40-year-old has been told he faces a four-week recovery period.
Bland had to pull out of the Dubai Desert Classic earlier this month during his second round because of the injury.
He then missed last week’s Joburg Open, in South Africa.
The setback is all the more frustrating for Bland, who described himself as “gutted” but promised to come back stronger, as it interrupts what has been a fine start to his season.
In five events, the Southampton-based player has earned nearly €50,000 in prize money.
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