Stuart Holden Injury: Bolton Wanderers, USMNT Midfielder Out Six Months

Following a long lay-off due to a knee injury, Bolton Wanderers and United States international midfielder Stuart Holden finally returned to action for Bolton in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the Carlng Cup. Unfortunately, it appears that will be the last match that Holden participates in for quite some time. Bolton has announced via their official club website that a cartilage tear was discovered during a follow-up examination on his surgically repaired knee and that he will miss another six months of action.

Obviously, this is a tough blow for everyone involved. Bolton have had to deal with a number of injuries to start the season and do not look like the Europa League competitors many predicted them to be as a result of those injury issues. Meanwhile, the United States will also be without Freddy Adu and Jose Fransisco Torres for their next two matches, leaving Jurgen Klinsmann with very few options for players who can play in advanced attacking midfield roles.

Here's Bolton manager Owen Coyle's statement from earlier today, via bwfc.co.uk.

"It is a big, big blow for Stuart because he has worked so hard after he sustained the injury, but obviously the most important aspect is to ensure Stuart's well being and that's what we are focused on.

"He went in for the procedure this afternoon and it was picked up that the cartilage was damaged and needed to be repaired, which has now happened, and we will now support Stuart as he begins his recovery."

For more on Holden and the Bolton Wanderers, visit SB Nation's Bolton blog Lion Of Vienna Suite.