Coyle: Muamba could make full recovery

Bolton manager Owen Coyle remains hopeful that Fabrice Muamba can make a full recovery after suffering a heart attack on Saturday.

Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest in Bolton’s FA Cup match against Tottenham, prompting the game to be called off.

Coyle had originally avoided speculating on whether Muamba would ever play again, preferring to focus on his player’s survival.

But after speaking with the former Arsenal and Birmingham player, the Bolton manager believes a full recovery could be possible.

“They say (a full recovery) is something that has happened before,” Coyle said.

“Every case is individual and on its own merits.”

“The two things that Fabrice have that can help him in this battle are that he is such a fit young man and the life he’s had.”

“He’s had to fight every step of the way in his young journey, so those two things I am sure will stand him in good stead.”

“Football pales into insignificance at this moment, as we know, but he’s an outstanding young individual and we pray that he gets back to that level again.”

The 23-year-old Muamba has regained consciousness from an induced coma and is reported to be breathing, speaking and moving unaided.

In one of his first conversations with his father, Muamba apparently asked ‘did we lose?’ when told the score was 1-1 when he collapsed.