Wheater facing long lay-off

Bolton defender David Wheater has been ruled out for nine months with a ruptured cruciate ligament.

The 25-year-old suffered the injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Sunday's 2-2 draw at home to West Brom in the Barclays Premier League.

A club statement read: "Scans have revealed that David Wheater has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The defender picked up the injury when he landed awkwardly during yesterday's home game against West Bromwich Albion. He is expected to be out of action for up to nine months."