Stuart Holden out of Gold Cup

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BOLTON, England -- American midfielder Stuart Holden will miss June's CONCACAF Gold Cup because of a knee injury that required surgery and will sideline him six months.

Holden hurt his left knee in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United in the Premier League. United defender Jonny Evans drew a red card for the tackle.

Holden traveled to London on Monday for surgery, adding that Evans called him to apologize.

"Just had a sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me the best in my recovery, def wasn't intentional, just unfortunate part of the game," Holden said on Twitter.

Early Tuesday, Holden tweeted that "surgery was a success."

The U.S. Soccer Federation said Sunday an X-ray revealed no broken bones, but Holden needed 26 stitches to close a gash near his knee. Bolton said it did not have any more details on the injury.

Holden missed two months last season because of a broken leg but recovered in time to play at the World Cup.

"I can promise you all I will come back stronger and better than before," Holden wrote online. "Have had bad luck in the past and will continue to beat it."

Holden became a starter under Bolton manager Owen Coyle.

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

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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