David Wheater Handed Extended Injury Lay-Off, News Surprises No One

Much like the other young Bolton players with knee injuries, you have to feel bad for David Wheater. The central defender, who was carving out a decent defensive partnership with Tim Ream, went down awkwardly right before half time of Bolton's late-season clash with West Bromwich Albion. The injury was a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Wheater was scheduled for a return somewhere between December and February but that is no longer the case.

Speaking to the Bolton News just ahead of Bolton's match with Middlesbrough, Wheater discussed his injury:

"It will probably be the end of February/beginning of March before I am in contention for first-team selection again.

"There hasn't been any problems it just takes time.

"The doctor said it would be a nine-month injury though it is stated as between six and nine months.

"It is okay now but it needs strengthening because the muscle just completely went after the operation."

Wheater also had the opportunity to air his thoughts on Bolton's new, young manager, Dougie Freedman. Wheater played under Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough when Southgate went from playing to managing the Riverside team at the age of 35, three years younger than Freedman.

"I had Gareth Southgate (as manager) when he had just finished (playing) and it was stranger for him than us; he was managing friends.

"It will be a bit different for our new manager because he doesn't know us as well.

"I have played against him a few times. He was a good player and has done well at Palace as manager.

"So if he can come here and do well it will be great."