photo by ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Stuart Holden is still recovering from the nasty fibula injury he suffered back in March, but the Bolton Wanderers midfielder has set his sights on a return date.
Holden is planning to resume full training in two weeks, and is targeting to return to action for Bolton's final two games of the season, at Tottenham on May 1 and vs. Birmingham eight days later.
If Holden makes his scheduled return he may have to help Bolton avoid relegation. The club currently sits in 15th place, but is only five points shy of the drop zone.
Here are some more stories from Tuesday:
Inter, Barcelona win to setup dream semifinals match
Inter Milan and Barcelona have setup a mouth-watering UEFA Champions League semifinal match as the two clubs cruised through the second legs of their respective quarterfinal games on Tuesday.
Inter reached the final four of the tournament for the first time since 2003 with a 1-0 win (2-0 on aggregate) against CSKA Moscow. Wesley Sneijder scored a free kick just six minutes into the match, setting the tone for Inter's advancement.
Barcelona thrashed a weakened Arsenal 4-1 (6-3 on aggregate) with all four goals coming from Leo Messi. After falling behind to a Nicklas Bendtner goal, Barcelona saw Messi's magic lift the club with a hat-trick before the end of the first half. Messi would go on to add another goal two minutes from the final whistle.
Barcelona and Inter played twice in the group stages of the Champions League, with a scoreless draw preceding a 2-0 Barcelona victory at home.
Inter will host first leg of the semifinal on April 20 at the San Siro. The return fixture at the Camp Nou will be played on April 28.
Robben deems himself fit for Manchester test
Arjen Robben has made Bayern Munich's trip to England for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester United, and the Dutch international believes he will be fit enough to play in the matchon Wednesday. Robben missed the first leg with a calf strain, but has returned to training and looks poised to help Bayern Munich protect its 2-1 advantage.
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What do you think of Holden returning for the final two games of the season? Think it's too short for him to regain fitness and sharpness? Who do you see winning between Inter and Barcelona? Taking the over or under on Robben getting injured in first 15 minutes of Bayern-United match if he plays?
Share your thoughts below.
I think “cast offs” from other leagues or the MLS being where “old pros go to die” is what will boost homegrown playership. Someone like Henry coming to NY Red Bull is going to inspire thousands of kids inthe northeast and around the country to want to be like him and consider soccer as a legit sporting option. World Class players, whether or not they are past their prime, bring with them an edge that will increase the level of current American MLS players and future players both technically and socially. American soccer, I think, is too “run and gun” which isn’t interesting to watch. Ronaldhino was inspired by Brasilians before him that were extremely technical, and it’s going to take some Americans to bring their level to the likes of him to really increase the fan base. Also, salaries won’t increase until the fanbase does, and most kids aspire to be pro football or basketball or baseball players because they are the ones making 7 figure salaries.
lol exactly. it really has been Messi v. whomever. Barca was a much better TEAM last year, but luckily for them, they still have Messi to do everything.
lol…..such strange ads
right….so he would beat out a certain Marcus Hahnemann who is almost playing as good as Howard right now in the prem? nope
Im think that he thought warren meant DMB, as in Damarcus Beasley
MB = Michael Bradley.
You bet, jts
Do you not know who MB is?
Warren, you forgot about Michael Bradley, who plays in Bundesliga. He’ll start before Edu, MB, Holden, Torres and Feilhaber.
How is this a good thing? Why do we want the players that are castoffs from other countries? This is the mentality that will keep USA perpetually below the top tier.
I don’t mind taking a look at a player like that if they truly are the best option we have, but it isn’t really that way anymore. Hasn’t been since the early 90s. We don’t have to rely on that method anymore, and we are stronger for it.
It’s very limited time, 2 games, but even if he just shows close to where he was before the injury, Holden is a no-brainer for a ticket to SA.
He’s made the step up to EPL smoothly, albeit to a lower-end squad, and has shown consistent quality for USMNT.
How many EPL middies do we have? Oh yeah, 2 1/2 – Demps, Holden, and Donovan. Those 3 plus Edu and MB are our top 5 right now, next Torres and Feilhaber.
So Holden as second half sub option is what we’re looking at, if Deuce doesn’t start up top.
On other hand, another injury setback for Holden between now and camp and he loses his golden ticket.
I was wrong in my Arsenal going through prediction.
Actually it will be Inter vs Messi in the semifinals. However, does anyone remember the other two games between these two teams in the group stage? Boring, boring, boring.
Looks like Stu’s kid brother Euan
Glad Holden is coming back but if he only plays in the last two games of the season he will have played in 4 and a half games since the end of the last MLS season. That is not really going into the World Cup in top form. Plus we have Onyewu and Davies in the same boat (Neither have played in the last six months).
I am not trying to rain on the parade. They are all good players, and Holden has vastly improved over the year, but it isn’t great news that a part of our team hasn’t featured predominantly in a year.
He plays for the the Red Bulls…Red Ball Salzburg that is.
I doubt he’s any better than Guzan or Hahnemann.
I’m glad he’s comming back. Seems like more and more attacking mid options are developing. Especially if Beasly is back. But are Torres and Gomez not possibly better options, especialy since they’ve been seeing lots of time? Is Europe overprioritiezed compared to Mexico?
Zoltan, the Wizard’s striker is out 5-8 months.
last year, Barca was the best team in the world. this year, it’s all Messi. dude is INCREDIBLE.
I’ve never seen euan play, but scotland might be his only choice if he’s not good enough but we’ll have to wait and see. Has anyone seen him play?
Eddie Gustafsson. He’s a Swede born in Philly. Plays as their no2 GK on the national team. Plays in Switzerland i believe. He plays for them obviously since he grew up in Sweden but he’ll never have a chance to be their no1. I’m not saying he would be our no1 or no2 but certaintly no3.
Many of these kids of American soldiers and European mothers don’t seem to ever consider our national team. Hopefully after the WC performance and continued success of our footballers in Europe will get these kids to realize the USA is their shot at a WC.
Probably cause he knows he has no chance for the USA 😛
I mean honestly. The USA is guaranteed to head to the WC every 4 years. Countries like Scotland and Norway battle it out only to lose the chance to qualify for the Euro’s and WC with like 3 games to go.
so it would make more sense for such players to try their luck with the USMNT if they are so eager for international play.
Anyone else read the Express.co.uk article about Stuart’s brother Euan? Seems he’s keen on playing for Scotland
I don’t know that he has an attitude issue, I just don’t think he is as good as the fan section seems to think
*rolls eyes*
Not agreeing or disagreeing, but what is the evidence that Adu has a sub par attitude?
Just like my old HS teacher used to say: “Attitude determines your Altitude”.
Remember how a few years ago, Messi and Adu were billed as the next big things in world soccer? At least half of that came true. Unfortunately for U.S. fans, it was the wrong half.
The Holden situation was really bad luck for him. He could have gotten some invaluable experience and instead has been rehabbing.
I don’t think Robben will start.
The cougar ads are better than the lesbian hook-up ads. Those were only on for a day or two I think.
i hope that was a joke, im going to pretend it was if it wasnt
TFC NEEDS DEFENCE BAD, they do need a striker and winger too, but Dickov is certainly not the answer. They may have well of just stuck with Gerba.
yeah. He and the cougar cheerleader katie price look-alike are getting on my nerves.
Congrats on the 4-1 outcome and win. You buying?
I dunno, all I get is that kid from the FC Barcelona Camp ad balancing the ball on his forehead. To infinity.
Yay, Holden!! He’s such a great option.
Barca and Inter are clearly the strongest clubs this season (although Bordeaux and Munich have made it interesting).
I don’t think I’ve ever been impressed by any athlete as I was by Messi vs Arsenal. Amazing.
Glad to see Holden getting back on the pitch soon — if only just in time for the end of the season.
Does anyone else think that the guy in the creepy CougarLife.com banner has the same haircut as Holden?
didnt see that one coming. but i heard dickov is signing soon but will come in may
and…….
Jim Brennan retires to become TFC assistant general manager. That came out of nowhere.
How odd…..