Muamba showing signs of improvement

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba is showing signs of improvement in a London hospital but remains on the critical list.

The 23-year-old’s heart is beating without the aid of medication, and he is moving his arms and legs.

Muamba suffered a heart attack during the first half of Bolton’s FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday and he is in intensive care at The London Chest Hospital.

A statement from Bolton and the hospital said that although Muamba’s condition had improved slightly, he is still very ill.

“Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at The London Chest Hospital, where today he is showing small signs of improvement,” the statement read.

“His heart is now beating without the help of medication and he is also moving his arms and his legs.”

“However, his long-term prognosis will remain unclear for some time.”

“He is still critically ill and will continue to be closely monitored and treated by staff in The London Chest Hospital’s intensive care unit.”

Bolton manager Owen Coyle, meanwhile, said Muamba’s family were grateful for the outpouring of support from the football community.

“They are so thankful and they want to put that on record,” Coyle said.

“They have been inundated, as we all have, from the football community globally, family and friends.”

“People have taken a genuine interest and shown a real concern for Fabrice. We hope that will help in this brave fight that he is undergoing at the moment.”

“The support from every manager in the Premier League, throughout the Football League and from my time in Scotland – everyone has been passing on their well wishes and it’s so humbling to have that level of support.”