What the Future Holds for American Midfielder Stuart Holden

It's been one week since the US men's national team defeated Panama 1-0 to clinch the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup title. While American fans celebrated the triumph in Chicago, the realization of midfielder Stuart Holden's injury quickly sobered the moment.

Holden had finally returned to the US national team after his second major injury in two years. He was a solid contributor during the Gold Cup, starting the majority of matches this tournament. Still, commentators and fans alike always seemed to hold their breath every time Holden went into a physical altercation, hoping history would not repeat itself.

Their worst nightmare came true in the 23rd minute of the Gold Cup final when Holden tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee—the third major injury knee injury of his young career.

Holden has always been a fan favorite for the US national team, once cited by the Associated Press as a "practical joker" and friendly face in the locker room (h/t ESPN). His attitude and respect for the game is something all football fans admire. In March 2011, Holden even publicly forgave Manchester United defender Jonny Evans after his vicious tackle ended Holden's season.

In terms of Stuart Holden's future, there is much to consider.

According to Sports Illustrated, the minimum amount of recovery time for Holden to return to the pitch is approximately six months. This of course means that Holden will miss the Americans' remaining World Cup qualifiers and the first half of the Football League Championship season (English Second Division) with his professional club Bolton Wanderers.

Even prior to this injury, Holden was at best a backup option for central midfielders like Michael Bradley (AS Roma) and Jermaine Jones (Schalke). With four matches remaining in the final qualifying phase for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann will likely choose Kyle Beckerman and Mix Diskerud to fill Holden's spot on the squad.

Most do not expect Holden to make the recovery needed to claim a World Cup spot for the 23-man roster. While Klinsmann favors Holden and sees him as great asset to the US national team, the German-born coach fears the worst for the Bolton midfielder after the latest injury, according to a statement (h/t MLS Soccer).

In 2009, American forward Charlie Davies was seriously injured following an automobile accident eight months before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Davies, who was a favorite under former coach Bob Bradley, was not able to return to form in time for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. While the nature of the injuries are completely different, history shows that becoming match fit following a lengthy absence from football is difficult to attain when a major tournament like the World Cup is upon the horizon.

At 28 years of age, Holden still has a chance to qualify for a World Cup spot in four years time if he is passed up this time around. Nevertheless, if he can miraculously recover as soon as possible and partake in international friendly matches for the Stars and Stripes, Klinsmann might take a chance on the Scottish-born midfielder for the World Cup next summer.

After all, American fans know that if anyone can make a comeback it is Stuart Holden.