Former Hereford player Levi Andoh, now with York City, faces several months on the sidelines.
He has a fracture in his back.
Andoh had impressed in the York defence until an injury two weeks ago.
"Levi has got some bad news this week," said manager Neil Ardley.
"He landed on his back a couple of weeks ago and it looks like he has fractured the bottom of his back, which might be a long term one."
Andoh left Hereford last March after which the club released a statement which mentioned an illegal approach from another club.