Stu knew?

By: Brandon Vondera

Stuart Holden is a midfielder for the U.S. national team. Just this past Wednesday during a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands, he suffered an injury. The bygone Houston Dynamo star, suffered a fractured fibula, the result of a hard tackle by Nigel de Jong. His injury, though considered serious, will see him back on the pitch in about six weeks time. Holden who regularly plays for the Bolton Wanderers of the English Premiere League has been granted permission to return to his hometown Houston this week to attend to personal affairs and spend some time with his family.

You needn't worry too much however, after visiting his former Dynamo teammates this week, he should be soon able to start his rehab even while wearing a boot. His Bolton manager Owen Coyle expressed concern but expects a full recovery.

"[Holden's loss] is a blow, but the most important thing is that he returns bigger and better."

Strong words that clearly put the pressure on the 24 year old. It also shows me that Coyle has a lot of confidence in his player to be so curt and not worry about Holden not being able to bounce back fit, and before long.

Stuart was an active member on the U.S. U-17 and U-23 teams prior to being called up to the United States Gold Cup squad in 2009. Holden promptly scored a goal in his national team debut vs Grenada, and successfully followed that up with a 30-yard strike in the ninety-second minute against Haiti in his second game. That goal came after he assisted the match's first goal. In the United States 2-0 semi-final win over Honduras, Stuart notched two more assists and as a byproduct was selected to the Gold Cup All-tournament team.

Lets rally behind the midfielder as he recuperates and root for a speedy return. He will be a great compliment to Michael Bradley as the U.S. heads to South Africa.