Colchester United’s young left-back, Michael O’Donoghue, has ruptured his cruciate ligaments.
Luckless O’Donoghue, who was handed his first team debut in the 3-2 defeat at Barnsley in November, suffered the injury in training on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old defender therefore faces an operation, and then a spell of up to nine months on the sidelines, on his road to recovery.
“It’s a huge blow for Michael,” rued manager Tony Humes this lunchtime.
“He’s ruptured cruciate ligaments and is out for the season.
“Since making his debut at Barnsley, Michael has been a regular member of the first team squad.
“It happened on Tuesday. There was no challenge. He just twisted awkwardly in training,” added Humes.
Irish-born defender O’Donoghue is a product of the U’s Academy, and was a key member of the under-18s Youth Alliance League/Cup double of last season.
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