Bolton defender Gary Cahill could be back in action within a month, despite early suggestions that he could miss the rest of the Premier League season.
Earlier in February, the England hopeful was ruled out for the foreseeable future after a blood clot was found in his arm. However, he had a scan yesterday which revealed that his progress has been good.
Speaking about the prospects of his defender returning earlier than expected, Bolton boss Owen Coyle said that although Cahill will go “another two weeks without any contact”, he will then join the rest of the squad for training again.
Coyle went on to say that the clot in Cahill’s arm “is totally dissolved and the vein is in perfect order”, meaning that he “could be back within four weeks”. This would prove a huge boost for a player who has aspirations to push for a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer. England are third favourites in the World Cup 2010 betting , but with Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Bridge and Ashley Cole doubts for the tournament, the side are facing a defensive crisis. Cahill could be the tonic they need.
Before his time on the sidelines, Cahill was in fantastic form for Bolton with many – including his manager – claiming that he was good enough to force his way into Fabio Capello’s thinking and Coyle still believes this is the case.
The former Burnley boss said Cahill is a “real candidate”, especially if he returns to the form he had been showing before the injury.
Looking at things in the shorter term though, there is no doubt that Bolton could do with their central defender back as soon as possible. Coyle’s men sit in the bottom three of the Premier League and have failed to win any of the games since Cahill has been out.
Bolton’s Premier League relegation odds suggest they should stay up, but Saturday’s game against Wolves will be vital for both clubs.
