Holden blow for Bolton

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden will be out for six weeks because of a follow-up operation on his injured knee.

The 26-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his right knee in March following a tackle by Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

Trotters manager Owen Coyle revealed the operation could have been delayed until the end of the season but the decision was made to do it right away.

“Our prime concern has always been Stuart’s welfare and his long-term health and fitness,” Coyle told the club’s website.

“It was looking likely that the operation could be scheduled for next summer, but after follow-up consultations with the specialists we have brought the date forward.”

The former Houston Dynamo midfielder made his comeback from injury against Aston Villa earlier in September, but is now unlikely to play again until at least mid-November.

US international Holden wrote on his Twitter account: “Obviously I’m disappointed as I’ve worked so hard the last 6 months, but in the grand scale of things it’s only a minor blip.”

Holden was named Bolton’s Player of the Year despite missing the final two months of last season.