Fabrice Muamba will make an emotional public appearance before Bolton’s game against Tottenham — his first since suffering a cardiac arrest when the teams met 46 days ago.
Bolton are hopeful Muamba will be able to walk to the centre circle and applaud all four sides of the Reebok Stadium as a thank you to fans of both clubs for their support after he received life-saving treatment on the pitch at White Hart Lane.
A pre-recorded message is expected to be screened and Muamba — who left hospital two weeks ago — could visit both dressing rooms.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: ‘It is a marvellous opportunity to thank both sets of fans. The way they rallied round him was incredible.
‘He would also have the opportunity to thank the Tottenham players personally. Their concern was there for all to see.
'It's fitting that the match is between these two clubs and that Fabrice is able to come along.
'I know Fabrice is very keen to show his appreciation to both sets of fans for their support.'
The 24-year-old, whose heart stopped beating for 78 minutes following his collapse, spent a month at the London Chest Hospital before being discharged on April 16.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside revealed he would be hosting Muamba and his wife Shauna in a series of tweets on Tuesday afternoon.
Gartside said: '@fmuamba @shaunamuamba can't wait to see you tomorrow at the Reebok COYW'.
The speed of Muamba's recovery amazed medical professionals.
He started talking two days after his collapse and began walking just over a fortnight later, although it is not yet known if he will play professional football again.
Since his discharge the midfielder has continued his rehabilition at home and on Saturday the former England Under-21 midfielder took to his Twitter account for the first time since the incident.
In his message he thanked people for their "prayers, love and support" and wished his team-mates well ahead of their match at Sunderland, which they drew 2-2.
This remains an important fixture for both clubs, with Bolton battling to stay in the top flight and Tottenham fighting for a top-four finish.
A draw would lift Coyle’s side out of the relegation zone while Tottenham can move to within a point of third-placed Arsenal.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: ‘Newcastle have three tough games, for sure. Chelsea might have the best fixtures. We have to keep going and if we play well, we can do it.
‘Bolton are playing well, Owen has got them going at the moment. It will be a hard game but we’ve got to be positive.’
By CHRIS WHEELER
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