Bolton Wanderers: Stuart Holden set to miss six to nine months

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden will be out of action for six to nine months following a knee operation.

The 28-year-old suffered another setback on his comeback from a third serious knee injury in a reserve game earlier this month.

Manager Dougie Freedman told BBC Radio Manchester: "It is a shame for Stuart.

"The cruciate ligament popped again. He's disappointed and so are we all. It just seems to be where we are at with injuries at the moment."

Bolton were hit with the news last week that midfielder Darren Pratley will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Holden first suffered a knee problem when he was hurt in a Premier League match against Manchester United in March 2011.

After a six-month spell on the sidelines he returned to action, but then discovered he needed further surgery that kept him out for another 16 months.

He then tore the cruciate ligament in his knee during the USA's Gold Cup final win against Panama in 2013.