Dougie Freedman on the return of Stuart Holden to the club's training ground
Dougie Freedman says Stuart Holden’s presence at the training ground over the Christmas period will provide everyone with a timely boost.
The likeable American is back in Bolton checking in with the club’s medical staff as part of his rehabilitation process.
The 28-year-old landed at Manchester airport on Sunday afternoon before heading straight to the DW Stadium where he was part of the 4,500 plus in the away end.
“It’s great to have Stuart Holden back in the building with us,” Freedman explained.
“It’s still a little bit of a different case with Stuart at this moment.
“He brings a great quality to our group when he’s in and around the place.
“If we’re being honest, he’s still got a long way to go. Don’t expect to see him out on the pitch in the coming weeks, but knowing Stuart and his mentality, he’s working as hard as he possibly can to get back out there.
“The plan is pretty straightforward. Stuart is back over here to spend a few weeks with our medical guys. We’ll see where he is, and then he’ll head back to the US to continue his rehabilitation.
“The main reason for that is because he’s already started his rehab work over there. The weather is also better for him to work in.
“Once he has made significant progress on that front, probably about six to eight weeks, he’ll then come back to us to step up the work on the football side of things.”