Stuart Holden back in full training

The day is fast approaching when we have a fully fit Stuart Holden back in the Bolton Wanderers ranks, folks. Marc Iles of the Bolton News has just tweeted a confirmation from Dougie Freedman that our man in the middle, Stu, is indeed back in full training with the boys.

If you've been living under a rock for the last nearly two years, Stu Holden has been out of action for both Bolton Wanderers and the United States Mens National Team thanks to a knee injury. It happened at Old Trafford in March 2011 when Holden and Jonny Evans both went sliding in for a 50/50 ball. Evans' studs caught Holdens knee and caused ligament and bone damage. The latter is what really did Holden in as it was a rare break at the top of the bone. Screws used in surgery would later further damage knee cartilage as Holden attempted a comeback last season, against Aston Villa in the League Cup.

The news is a big boost and a wonderful early Christmas present for Bolton fans who have really missed Holden over the last 19 months. The club will not rush Holden's return to the side as they want to make certain that he is fit and healthy. We expect a full return to the pitch sometime in or after late January.

Quick update: According to Brian Sciaretta of Yanks Abroad, Holden's training is one day on, one day off so that he won't be overworked. This is part of a plan to ease the dynamo back into action.