David Wheater has successfully returned to first-team training with Bolton Wanderers after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

The defender hasn't featured for Wanderers since September, but is now back in contention for a place in Dougie Freedman's side after recovering from a knee injury.

"He's been with the sports science department 24 hours a day nearly for the last six weeks," manager Freedman told the club's official website. "Now he's back fit and in contention."

Wheater could make his Trotters return against Bournemouth at home on Saturday.