WANDERERS are expecting Stuart Holden back in town in a fortnight but remain tight-lipped about how close he could be to a playing return.
The midfielder is currently back home in the US and has been training at a rehabilitation centre in Wilmington, Delaware, used by the national football team.
Club physio Andy Mitchell travelled to see him three weeks ago to check on his fitness and it is understood that a specialist has given him permission to step up his training workload.
Holden posted a video of himself going through his paces and kicking a ball on his official Facebook site on Thursday.
But the club is playing down suggestions that the American will soon be back in competitive action – almost a year after he was forced back on the sidelines following the discovery that medical screws inserted into a previous injury had damaged his knee joint.
“Stuart is getting better,” said Owen Coyle.
“I’m always loath to put a timescale on him because he’s had such a hard time of it.
“Mentally, he’s in a very good place right now, and physically he’s improving.
“He has done a lot of rehab in the US and felt comfortable in a family environment, which is important from a mental point of view.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but God-willing, he’s due back in two weeks’ time and ready to step it up from there.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article