Holden out for six months with knee woe

Mar 21, 2011, 14:28 GMT

London - Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden is expected to be out for six months with a knee injury, the club confirmed on Monday.

The 25 year old suffered the injury in a challenge with Jonny Evans, who was sent off for the foul, in Bolton's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Holden had 26 stitches inserted into the gash on his knee, but will have surgery in London on Monday.

'I can promise you I will come back stronger and better than before,' he said on Twitter. 'Have had back luck in the past and will continue to beat it.'

He also revealed Evans had telephoned him to apologise. 'Just had sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me best in recovery, def (sic) wasn't intentional just unfortunate part of game,' he wrote.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle was equally restrained in his reaction. 'First and foremost our main concern is Stuart and his recovery,' he said. 'He will get all the time and support he needs.

'Stuart has been outstanding this season and has shown he is one of the best midfielders in the Barclays Premier League.

'He has such desire, strength of character and a winning mentality and he will draw on those attributes in his rehabilitation.'

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