The 22-year old midfielder has returned to full training this week and hopes that the clubs medical staff will give him the all-clear to take on the Eagles at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
"I do feel that the fitness work I had been doing towards the end of last week has gone really well. The scar is healing up very nicely so hopefully I'll be ready for Saturday, but that's up to the medical staff and the gaffer to decide."
Nolan had been booked in for the overdue operation two weeks ago following the Trotters 2-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.