UCD defender Evan Osam to sit out most of the Premier Division campaign after rupturing achilles

UCD manager Collie O’Neill has confirmed that full-back Evan Osam will miss most of the upcoming season after rupturing his achilles in training.

The luckless defender suffered the injury on Monday night and is set to miss most, if not all, of the First Division champions’ first season back at the top level since 2014.

Osam, the son of St Patrick’s Athletic legend Paul, previously suffered a cruciate ligament injury while at Shamrock Rovers and missed much of the 2018 season with an ankle injury.

The former Shelbourne defender returned to fitness for the conclusion of the Students’ league-winning campaign but is unlikely to play much part in the forthcoming season.

"Unfortunately Evan is going to miss most of the season after rupturing his Achilles in training on Monday,” O’Neill told the club’s media team.

“It's a big loss to us. He really hasn’t has any luck over the last few seasons with injuries. He did his cruciate at Shamrock Rovers and then did his ankle last year and missed most of the season.

“They've all been different injuries and he’s really been unlucky with them. I feel so bad for him and it's a tough one for him to take.

“He’s been brilliant in training, and in our college games, and was really looking forward to the start of the season.

“He's a top class player and is a big loss for us, being an important part of how we defend and play but we have to deal with it and move on.

“He’s a great lad though and I’ve no doubt he will bounce back and be determined to come back fitter and stronger."

UCD kick off the Premier Division season with a trip to Derry City on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).