Stuart Holden horror as Bolton midfielder faces six months out

22 March 2011 11:57
Jonny Evans apologised to Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden for the tackle that has put him out of the game for six months and wrecked his hopes of playing at Wembley. [LNB]The Manchester United defender, who was sent off for the challenge at Old Trafford on Saturday, phoned Holden as he arrived in London for surgery on his left leg on Monday night. [LNB]The 25-year-old USA star was carried off with a deep gash on his knee that required 26 stitches.[LNB]Although Holden escaped any ligament damage, scans are believed to have shown up a fracture. [LNB]The American broke his right leg last year when he was hurt by Manchester City's combative midfielder Nigel de Jong in a game against Holland. [LNB]Committed: Holden and United defender Evans go in full-blooded during Saturday's clash at Old Trafford[LNB]Evans has a less fearsome reputationand Holden was quick to clear the United player of any blame, insistinghe does not bear a grudge over the incident. [LNB]Updating his Twitter followersyesterday, Holden wrote: 'Just had a sincere phone call from JonnyEvans wishing me the best in my recovery, def wasn't intentional, justunfortunate part of the game. 'Thanks again for all the well wishes,without my fans I would be nowhere. Down to London for surgery latertoday and then road to recovery begins.'[LNB]  The latest setback is a bitter blowfor Holden, who played only four minutes for the USA in last summer'sWorld Cup against England after recovering from the De Jongchallenge. [LNB]The former Houston Dynamo midfieldernow misses Bolton's FA Cup semi-final against Stoke at Wembley nextmonth, and the opportunity to face United again if Sir Alex Ferguson'sside overcome Manchester City in the other semi.[LNB]United defender Rio Ferdinand wasone of the well-wishers on Twitter yesterday, and Holden replied: 'Iwill come back stronger and better than before. Have had bad luck inthe past and will continue to beat it.'[LNB] [LNB] Sad ending: Holden had to leave the pitch on a stretcher and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines[LNB]The injury is also bad news forBolton, who have seen Holden develop into one of their best playerssince joining on a free transfer in January 2010. [LNB]They have won 43 per cent of their Barclays Premier League games with Holden in the team, compared to 21 per cent without him.[LNB]Bolton boss Owen Coyle said: 'Ourmain concern is Stuart and his recovery. He will get all the time andsupport he needs. Stuart has been outstanding and shown he is one ofthe best midfielders in the Premier League. [LNB]'He has desire, strength of character and a winning mentality and he will draw on those attributes in his rehabilitation.'[LNB] Bolton forgive Evans for horror tackle that hits Holden's semi-final hopesMan United 1 Bolton 0: Has Berbatov's late goal won the title for Ferguson?Match zone: Everything you need to know about Saturday's actionJaaskelainen was not not to blame for pointless trip to United, says CoyleManchester United 1 Bolton 0: Berbatov back with a bang to rescue 10-man RedsAll the latest Bolton news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Owen Coyle, Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand Places: London, The Netherlands, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail