Nevertheless, Nolan believes he still has a lot to offer.
"I was gutted for him and he'll be gutted, but it was for the team and he is a team player," the Wanderers skipper said.
"It was really disappointing for him, though, because he's been absolutely fantastic in training and in the games that he's played and in the games when he has come on.
"He's going to be a big asset for Bolton Wanderers, he's just got to hold on in there."