Bolton manager Dougie Freedman insists he will proceed carefully with his returning long-term absentees ahead of Burnley's visit to the Reebok Stadium.

Influential USA midfielder Stuart Holden came through 90 minutes of a practice match at Wanderers' Euxton training ground this week, further building his fitness after featuring as a substitute in the FA Cup matches against Sunderland and Everton.

Fellow knee-injury victim David Wheater played alongside Holden in the game having made a return for Bolton's Under-21 side against Manchester City last Friday.

Mark Davies (shoulder) is also pushing for a comeback in midfield although this week's derby clash comes too soon for himself, Wheater and defender Matt Mills (thigh).

Midfielder Keith Andrews remains a doubt having been sidelined in recent weeks by thigh and Achilles problems.

Deadline day signing Steve De Ridder came off the bench to make his debut in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Watford, where fellow new recruit Craig Dawson was an unused substitute.

Burnley centre-back Michael Duff is a major doubt.

Duff started last weekend's 2-2 draw at Peterborough following a short spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem but suffered a calf injury early in the second half.

The 35-year-old was replaced by David Edgar and Clarets boss Sean Dyche is not hopeful over his prospects of facing Wanderers.

``Duffo is unlikely,'' he told his club's official website. ``He has a calf strain and that will continue to get checked.''

Fellow defender Ben Mee remains out with a knee problem but Dyche is otherwise boosted by a clean bill of health.

Top scorer Charlie Austin marked his return from a month out with a hamstring complaint by finding the net inside the first minute at London Road.

Fellow striker Sam Vokes returned unscathed following his goalscoring exploits with Wales in midweek.