Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle admits he is reluctant to throw midfielder Stuart Holden back into the fray too early.
The former Houston Dynamo star suffered a broken leg while on international duty against Holland in early March and is keen to get back on the pitch so he can give himself every chance of being selected for the USA World Cup squad.
But Coyle was erring on the side of caution with Holden, saying he didn't want him coming back too early.
"If he is ready, I will play him," said Coyle. "But if he is not, it would be wrong for me to throw him in there and do something detrimental. He's a great kid and he's got a big role to play for Bolton Wanderers in the future.
"I certainly wouldn't rule him out playing again this season, he has got a heart the size of a lion. But I can't and I won't jeopardise his opportunity, if it comes about, for the World Cup finals."
Holden said he was keen on getting some game time in the Trotters final matches against Tottenham and Birmingham as it would give him extra hope of making at least the provisional US squad.
"If I can get a couple of games in to show that I'm available for selection, then that's all I can do," said Holden.
"I felt a little sorry for myself at first but knowing I had that to aim at gave me hope. It gives me a chance to be considered for the 30-man roster."