stuart holden out for 6 months

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden is expected to be sidelined for six months after sustaining a knee injury at Manchester United on Saturday.

United defender Jonny Evans was sent off for the challenge which hurt Holden during the league leaders' 1-0 victory.

Holden, 25, had 26 stitches in the wound and it rules him out of Bolton's FA Cup semi-final against Stoke.

"First and foremost, our main concern is Stuart and his recovery," said Bolton boss Owen Coyle.

"He will get all the time and support he needs. Stuart has been outstanding this season and has shown he is one of the best midfielders in the Barclays Premier League.

"He has such desire, strength of character and a winning mentality and he will draw on those attributes in his rehabilitation."