In an exclusive interview with the official matchday programme, Gary Cahill has been looking back on an unexpectedly eventful last five weeks of his career.

The defender has experienced a full range of emotions since the news broke at the beginning of February that he was to face a spell on the sidelines with a blood clot in his left arm.

"Ever since I have moved to Bolton my career has progressed, missing just the odd game and picking up a slight knock here and there," explained Cahill.

"And then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I came in for a match against Fulham and later that afternoon I was taken to hospital and told that I had a blood clot.

"It was a shock and hard to take because in football you do get injuries, whether it is in a game or training, but this was something completely different.

"It has worked out to be bad timing in the respect that we have had a good run of fixtures which I was looking forward to playing in, but on the flip side I now have a chance to feature in the run-in to the season.

"To say that I have only missed a month so far and I'm back doing fitness work and on the verge of returning to full training with the rest of the squad, then it is massive turnaround."

And as Cahill prepares to return to training with his first-team colleagues at the start of next week, he has been speaking of his appreciation for all the support he has received.

"Wanderers supporters have been fantastic because I have had countless amounts of well wishes and 'get well soon' cards. I really do appreciate all these kind gestures from everyone who has helped and supported me."

To read the full interview, make sure you pick up a copy of the official matchday programme when you visit the Reebok Stadium for this Saturday's home clash with Wigan.

There are the regular columns with Chairman Phil Gartside, Manager Owen Coyle and Captain Kevin Davies, plus former player Freddie Hill looks back on his playing days at Burnden Park.

Jussi Jaaskelainen offers his thoughts and opinions of the latest events at the club while Gavin McCann picks his dream team from players he has come up against during his career.

Priced at £3, make sure you pick up a copy from the numerous sellers around the stadium or the club superstore.