adminArsenal’s record top goalscorer wore the armband after Bolton players acknowledged their team-mate’s battle during their first match since Muamba’s collapse.
A mosaic spelling out Muamba’s name and shirt number was held up by fans ahead of the North West derby with Blackburn Rovers.
There was also a video display of his career shown on the big screen at the Reebok stand and applause rang out from the moment the montage began and lasted through to the pre-match handshake.
Henry, 34, made the gesture just days after flying in from the US for a few hours to visit Muamba at the London Chest hospital in east London before heading straight back again.
Muamba remains in intensive care after suffering a heart attack during Bolton’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham ten days ago.
And while his condition continues to improve, the England Under-21 midfielder still has a long battle ahead to regain full fitness.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has revealed that Muamba watched his team-mates in action against Blackburn on Match of the Day on Sunday — and fell asleep when the score was 2-0.
Coyle has reported a further improvement in Muamba’s condition over the weekend, although the midfielder remains in intensive care after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during the game with Tottenham the weekend before.
“Fabrice is able to recognise people and answer questions,” said Coyle.
“He also watched Match of the Day on Sunday morning, which shows he is making progress, although he did fall asleep with the score at 2-0.”
Coyle also confirmed that a small delegation of Bolton players will visit Muamba at the London Chest Hospital ahead of today’s rearranged FA Cup quarterfinal at Tottenham.
That promises to be another emotional occasion given it was at White Hart Lane that Muamba suffered his cardiac arrest.
“It will give us a chance to thank the Tottenham fans because last Saturday it was almost like a sixth sense had taken over,” said the Scot. “There was a real sense of unity.
“Is it going to be tough? Yes.”
By dozing off, Muamba missed Steven Nzonzi’s goal for Blackburn, although that was not enough to prevent Bolton securing a victory that allowed them to clamber out of the relegation zone.
“Fabrice’s father, Marcel, and fiancee, Shauna, wanted to express their thanks to everyone,” said Coyle. “Football is a passionate game but nothing is more important than Fabrice’s recovery.”
A statement on behalf of the family read: “Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital where his condition is serious but stable.
“He continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery.” — Daily Mail.
Online Reporter