Extreme Football Forum  |  Football Forums  |  FA Barclaycard Premiership  |  Topic: Holden injury blow for Bolton

BBC

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a fracture to his right leg.

Holden was injured during the United States' 2-1 friendly defeat by the Netherlands on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old, who joined Wanderers in January, started Bolton's last two matches - against Wolves and Tottenham.

And Bolton boss Owen Coyle told the club website: "In both games we saw his quality so it's a blow, the important thing is he returns bigger and better."

After leaving Houston Dynamo, Holden signed for Bolton in January on a deal until the end of the season - and Coyle confirmed on Thursday he would be taking up an option to extend the deal until the end of next season.

Coyle is also hopeful the injury will not damage Holden's prospects of playing in the World Cup, with the United States playing England in their opening group game on 12 June.

"We're erring on the side of six weeks, and if that is the case then he will be capable of playing the last part of the season for us and putting himself in the frame for the World Cup," said Coyle.

"We've already spoken with him and his representative to assure him he will be here for longer because of the belief I have in him, and the quality he has shown since he came to the club."

Holden picked up the injury in a tackle with Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong.

De Jong was booked for the challenge, but he insisted there was no malice intended.