It's no surprise that the Trotters are starting the injuries off early this season. This time around, young striker Tom Eaves is the victim. What's frustrating is not the injury itself, it's the fact that it arguably could have been prevented.
We knew that USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was keeping tabs on Stu Holden's progress and now, with the Gold Cup quickly coming up this summer, fans will get to see Stuart in a United States shirt once more.
Ahead of Bolton's last match of the (regular) season, we had the chance to ask Wanderers' american midfielder Stu Holden about his recovery efforts, working his way back into the first team, a bit of nostalgia, and goals for the near future.
Unfortunately, what Darren Pratley provides in effort, he often lacks in ability with the ball at his feet. It was arguably that lack of technical poise that saw two of Bolton's best chances against Cardiff spurned.
Earlier today, Fox Soccer Channel published the second part and conclusion of their interview with the Holden brothers and Karalyn. In it, the trio discussed Stu's comeback and the midfielder's future.
In an interview with Fox Soccer, Stu Holden, along with his girlfriend, Karalyn West, and brother, Euan, detailed the midfielder's recovery process.
Darren Pratley and Medo Kamara are doing a fine job in central midfield, but returns to form and fitness could leave Dougie Freedman with a selection headache over the next few weeks.
The expected layoff for Keith Andrews in February was a month to six weeks but Dougie Freedman has just confirmed that the Ireland international's season is over.
Jay Spearing was forced to leave the match with an injury. Just before the halftime break, the on-loan midfielder hobbled off with an apparent foot injury and he was swiftly replaced by Medo Kamara for the remaining 45+ minutes.
Speaking on Thursday, Dougie Freedman announced that the illness would most likely keep Mears out for the rest of the season. Freedman also announced that young Joe Riley would also likely miss the rest of the season.
As things stand, Middlesbrough sit one place and five points below Bolton Wanderers. While the match could ultimately prove vital in the Trotters' hopes for promotion, it is important for another reason.
The Owls are unbeaten in their last three matches and have won both of the games that Stu Holden has started in.
After struggling for much of the season, Wolverhampton Wanderers have finally picked up their form. Of course, their dramatic escape from the drop zone would come hot on the heels of their meeting with Bolton Wanderers this weekend.
The international break is in full swing and there are a few Bolton Wanderers men in action. Another current Trotter was in action on Friday, another was on the bench, and a favorite from the past managed his team to a massive result.
The fans (on both sides of the Atlantic) have increased their calls for Holden's inclusion in a starting XI. Dougie has not obliged. The reasons for Holden's exclusion are twofold: squad form and not rushing Stu back.
It's been two years to the day since Stu Holden was stretchered off the pitch at Old Trafford following Jonny Evans' challenge.
Initially, Bolton Wanderers thought that Bogdan would miss three weeks with a groin injury sustained in the win against Barnsley but now, that return date has been pushed up.
He's not a world-beating young goalkeeper but he is very strong at the back, quick on his feet, has good hands, and can (mostly) read the game. He started the match on Tuesday thanks to Adam Bogdan's injury and now will get the next few games.
Adam Bogdan was carrying a groin injury and aggravated it in the weekend's win. The news means that the goalkeeper is now a doubt for tomorrow's Blackburn clash and Andy Lonergan could take his place.
Mark Davies is set to miss a massive ten months for Bolton Wanderers. As a result, the Trotters will be forced to plug the mazy-run-making hole in their midfield. In a rare twist of events though, Bolton actually have some options this time around.
Stu Holden's long bid for full fitness is finally reaching its conclusion. The American midfielder has been included in the Bolton Wanderers squad after a number of hints were dropped over the course of the last week.
The games are coming thick and fast for Bolton Wanderers at this stage of the Championship season. Having just held on for a tough point at Nottingham Forest, the Trotters are looking ahead to the six games they have to play in the next 18 days.
Bolton Wanderers fans often bemoan the team's apparently constant state of injury crisis. There have been very few times in recent memory when the club's best players were all fit, healthy, and available for selection in league matches.
Since the tackle in which Jonny Evans' studs caught Holden's knee, the Trotters have fallen from 7th in the Premier League to 17th in the Championship. Now, just a month (and a bit) off from two years to the day, Stu Holden is set to play once more.
Manager Dougie Freedman confirmed the return of an important trio for Bolton Wanderers. That's right, Mark Davies, Stu Holden, and David Wheater will be involved this weekend at the City Ground.
Prior to the rash challenge that put him out for nearly a full season, Chung-Yong Lee was famous for scampering down Bolton's right wing and cutting in sharply to create a goal either for himself or another man in white.
