‘Thoughts will be with Muamba’ when Bolton play derby

Seven days after Muamba was left fighting for his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Tottenham, his team-mates will attempt to haul Bolton out of the relegation zone.

Ordinarily, the Lancashire derby would be viewed as crucial, a make-or-break encounter of over-riding importance.

The events of the past week have rather undermined that argument. Yes, Bolton will be trying. Yes, they could do with a win. But no, it will not demand focus to the exclusion of anything else.

“Football is not more important than what has happened,” said Coyle. “Nobody is more passionate about football than me. Is the game important? Yes in the context of the Premier League, and we will do our best. But football is not the be all and end all. What happened to Fabrice on Saturday puts everything in perspective and our first thoughts will be with him.”

Coyle spoke with his players at a team meeting yesterday and will do so again before finalising his side. They have all been told to speak up if there is a shred of doubt over the participation in a game so soon after was one of the most harrowing experiences they will ever endure. So far, there has been only silence.

“No-one has said that they don’t want to play but that may change in the next couple of days because it is going to be difficult,” said Coyle. “I had a collective chat with the group and outlined everything that happened, so there was a clear picture. One or two asked questions and if anyone feels it is too much for them, there would be no problem.

“They just have to let us know. We would do the right thing by them.”

Coyle has cautioned against expecting too much of the 23-year-old despite the rapid progress that has been made. “Fabrice still has a long way to go,” said Coyle.