Bolton Wanderers will pull together and hope for the best in the aftermath of midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s close brush with death last weekend. The match with Tottenham was called off when Muamba collapsed on the pitch and was rushed to the London Chest hospital. Following a cardiac arrest that left him technically dead for well over an hour, the 23-year-old was miraculously revived, and according to latest reports he is in a stable condition, but his long-term prospects are still uncertain.
Wanderers captain Kevin Davies has said he’s amazed and gratified by the quick response of medical personnel who saved Muamba’s life, as well as the sincere concern expressed by fans and players. Davies was the first team member to see Muamba in hospital, and told reporters that it was too soon to think about anything beyond the immediate future.
Davies was among the handful of players who turned out for training on Monday. He says the team is still pretty much in shock, but for himself and others the best thing to do is carry on; that’s what Muamba would want.
Team manager Owen Coyle has also expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response from all quarters. In reference to the match scheduled for this Saturday with Blackburn Rovers, the first one since Muamba’s collapse, Coyle said that any team member who doesn’t feel ready for it will be excused. But, he says, whoever does take to the field will be doing their best for Fabrice and for the team