Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Younes Kaboul has suffered a fresh setback in his bid to return to first-team action.

Kaboul has been out since August with a knee injury but stepped up his comeback by playing for the Under-21 side against Manchester United last night.

The Frenchman was withdrawn 48 minutes in after complaining of pain his leg, with Spurs confirming that the central defender has suffered a thigh strain.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Younes Kaboul has today been assessed after reporting discomfort in his thigh during last night's Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixture with Manchester United.

"Scans have revealed a grade one thigh strain and the France defender will now continue his rehabilitation with our medical team, who will monitor his progress."

The 27-year-old was hoping to be in contention for this weekend's Premier League clash with Manchester City, but Andre Villas-Boas will be without Kaboul and William Gallas for that match.