Bolton, USMNT Midfielder Stuart Holden Diagnosed with Torn ACL

Stuart Holden just can't seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries. The Bolton and U.S. Men's National Team midfielder has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee. 

Holden sustained the injury when he collided with Panama's Alberto Quintero during the USMNT's 1-0 Gold Cup final victory.

This is the 27-year-old's third major injury in three years. In March 2010, a challenge from Nigel de Jong in a friendly against the Netherlands broke Holden's right leg. A year later, a studs-up tackle from Manchester United's Jonny Evans resulted in an ACL injury.

Holden had to go through a lengthy 18-month recovery after that ACL injury due to the discovery of further cartilage damage. Just months after the long recovery, the midfielder managed to earn a starting spot on the US' Gold Cup roster.

With several strong performances throughout the Gold Cup, it would've been hard to imagine Holden not playing a role in the USMNT's September World Cup qualifiers.

Despite the devastating injury, Holden remains optimistic.

Now he faces another daunting road to recovery. A typical ACL injury can sideline players anywhere from six to nine-plus months.

With the World Cup beginning in June next year, it will be difficult for him to make a full recovery and earn a spot on the final 23-man roster. No injury or recovery has ever held Holden back, so don't count him out just yet.