Fabrice Muamba may attend Bolton's Premier League fixture with Tottenham

 

Bolton boss Owen Coyle feels Wednesday's Barclays Premier League home game against Tottenham could present a "wonderful opportunity" for Fabrice Muamba to thank fans and players from both clubs for their support following his cardiac arrest last month.

Since he collapsed on the pitch during an FA Cup tie against Spurs at White Hart Lane on March 17 - after which his heart stopped beating naturally for 78 minutes - Muamba has made a remarkable recovery, and he was discharged from hospital two weeks ago.

On Saturday the 24-year-old former England Under-21 midfielder took to his Twitter account for the first time since the incident, posting a message to thank people for their "prayers, love and support" and wishing his team-mates well ahead of their match at Sunderland that afternoon, which they drew 2-2.

Next up for Bolton is the Spurs game, which Coyle, particularly given the opposition, would be delighted to see Muamba come along to watch from the stands at the Reebok Stadium - although he has stressed the decision ultimately lies with the player, his family and his doctors.

"We have always said that before the end of the season, we would love it if Fabrice was fit and available to come to a game," Coyle said.

"We have to remember after everything he has been through, it has to be the right thing for him, his family and the medical team.

"But it is an open invitation, and if Fabrice is fit and well for that then I think the game against Tottenham would be a great opportunity, because of the events that took place at White Hart Lane.

"It would give a chance for everybody to see how well he is doing and from his end, it would also give him a chance to thank both sets of fans, who were magnificent on the night, and the Tottenham players - he has already been touching base with our players - because the concern they showed for Fabrice that night was remarkable.

"If it came about, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity.

"We are always speaking to him and we will do that again between today and tomorrow.

"If the family and Fabrice think it is something he would like to do, he would be welcomed with open arms."

PA

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