Grant Holt has taken his first steps on the long road to recovery after a knee injury sustained while on loan to Huddersfield Town.
The Wigan Athletic frontman, who in other circumstances would have been lining up against Town in Saturday’s Championship clash at the DW Stadium, has had surgery to repair a cruciate ligament.
Early indications are that the procedure has been a success.
The 33-year-old former Premier League star is expected to be sidelined for at least nine months.
Holt, injured during the 2-2 Boxing Day draw at Rotherham United, made a big impact during 15 Town appearances, which brought two goals.
Frozen out by former Wigan boss Uwe Rosler, new manager Malky Mackay was desperate to get the ex-Norwich City man back into the fold.
“We wish him the best of luck in his recovery, he is a fighter, he will be back,” said Mackay.
Holt said: “I know it’s going to be a tough few months ahead but the medical people at the club have been brilliant with me and I know I’m in the best possible hands in terms of getting back.”
