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Bob Bradley has not had injury worries to seek as he races against time to compile a squad capable of competing in this summer’s world cup. He is already facing late results over the recuperation of Charlie Davies, Oguchi Onyewu, Clint Dempsey and to a lesser extent, Steve Cherundolo.
Yesterday another key player joined the list. Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden was taken off in the 34th minute of the USA’s friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam ArenA. The 24-year-old native of Aberdeen, Scotland, sustained a broken bone as a result of a tackle by tough Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong, who was booked for the tackle. De Jong plays for Manchester City in the EPL.
Back in England, Bolton manager Owen Coyle confirmed the midfielder had broken the fibula in his right leg and put the recovery period at six weeks, if he was being optimistic.
Coyle added, “It’s disappointing for Stuart because he has come into the team and done ever so well. What we do know is he will come back bigger and stronger, but it is sad for him to miss out at this moment in time. He’s come in with a real hunger and desire to do well for our club, and in the two games he’s played, we’ve seen his quality.”
Coyle ‘Hopeful’ Holden Will Make South Africa
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“We’re erring on the side of six weeks, and if that is the case then he will be capable of playing the last part of the season for us and putting himself in the frame for the World Cup,” Coyle said. He also confirmed that Bolton had extended Holden’s original loan deal to the end of the season.
“We’ve already spoken with him and his representative to assure him he will be here for longer because of the belief I have in him, and the quality he has shown since he came to the club. When we signed him, within the contract there was the option there to extend it further, which we will do. It augurs well for his future and that of the football club.”
Holden joined Bolton in January from Houston Dynamo and has made two appearances for the relegation threatened Lancashire club.
