Keith Andrews' season ends following Achilles surgery

Keith Andrews has been out of action for Bolton Wanderers since mid-February. The experienced central midfielder had been carrying an achilles problem for months before a thigh muscle tear forced him onto the sidelines. The expected layoff in February was a month to six weeks but Dougie Freedman has just confirmed that the Ireland international's season is over.

Speaking to the Bolton News, Freedman addressed the newly-found lack of depth in midfield:

"Keith had a small operation and is fine from that. But it will be touch and go whether he gets back this season.

"You cannot rush Achilles problems. There is no timescale on his return, we just have to see how he feels each day.

"Time is getting short though, not because I don't think he will be alright but it is whether he will be fit enough after missing three months of football.

"It is a blow for us and with the Mark Davies situation as well.

"Stuart Holden is out on loan and that's good for him but he can be recalled if we need to."

Fans will remember Sam Ricketts' Achilles injury in 2011 when the defender ruptured the tendon in an FA Cup clash in February, 2011. It took Ricketts until December of that year to return. That match was against Wolves and he scored a wonderful curling effort from the corner of the area.

Get well soon, Keith.