Stuart Holden Ready for Return

There hasn't been an unluckier player on the U.S. National Team in recent memory than Stuart Holden. Several months prior to the 2010 World Cup, Holden had his leg broken in a friendly against the Netherlands on a vicious tackle from Nigel de Jong. He made a full recovery, cracking the U.S. World Cup roster, but his lack wouldn't last. The following March, playing for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League, he suffered another vicious tackle, this time from Manchester United's Jonny Evans that left him with a gash requiring 26 stitches and a knee injury that laid him up for six months. Now, Holden is once again making his return to the pitch as tomorrow he'll be taking the field for Bolton's reserves against Fulham.

Photo Credit: topdrawers

A talented midfielder who's still only 26 years old, Holden was named Bolton's player of the year last season despite missing the final two months. If he can successfully return from this latest injury he figures to be in the U.S. National Team midfield picture once again. Holden has a pair of goals, both scored in the 2009 Gold Cup, in 17 appearances for the U.S.