Muamba releases hospital photo

Fabrice Muamba’s fiancee has released the first picture of the Bolton midfielder since he suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this month.

Muamba, 23, has been recovering in hospital since suffering a heart attack during the club’s FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham on March 17.

Bolton’s club doctor and emergency medical officials gave the former England under-21 player treatment at White Hart Lane but his heart had effectively stopped for 79 minutes before he arrived at hospital.

Shauna Muamba posted a photo on Twitter of her fiance looking healthy and smiling, adding: “Fab wanted me to post this pic for you all and to also say thank you for such overwhelming support.”

It is not yet known if or when the former Arsenal and Birmingham City midfielder will be able to play professional football again.