By IVES GALARCEP
It has been 21 months since Stuart Holden suffered the knee injury that sidelined him and derailed his playing career, but he is starting to draw closer to a comeback.
Holden played more than 60 minutes in a recent indoor game for Bolton and came through with no setbacks, leaving Bolton manager Dougie Freedman confident that Holden could be back playing with the first team in less than a month.
“We had an indoor game last week against Wigan in which Stuart played 60- 70 minutes. He played very well and came through it,” Freedman told the Bolton News. “He probably needs another two or three behind-closed doors games, but hopefully he will be ready by the middle of January.
“It is difficult but we are doing our best to squeeze games in.”
Holden has struggled to recover from the knee injury suffered on March 19th, 2011 when Johnny Evans delivered a studs-up tackle that caused major damage. He was forced to undergo multiple surgeries, and more than a year on the sidelines, but he looks ready to return to action for the Trotters.
“The plan is that he is back by the end of the month and then I don’t have to go and get a central midfielder in,” Freedman added.
What do you think of this development? Excited to see Holden back in action? See him helping Bolton turn things around and get into the promotion race?
Share your thoughts below.