‘Signs of improvement’ but Muamba still critical

The 23-year-old remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after collapsing during an FA Cup match on Saturday.

But Bolton Wanderers Football Club said on its website that he was continuing to show signs of improvement.

He yesterday started moving his arms and legs of his own accord and he has started speaking again, according to Curtis Codrington, a friend who has visited the player. He said: “Fabrice is speaking and moving. He has spoken minimal words in French and English.”

A joint statement from the hospital and Bolton Wanderers said: “Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital, where he is showing signs of improvement.

“His heart is now beating without the help of medication and he is also moving his arms and 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... in the intensive care unit.”

Muamba collapsed on the pitch as Bolton played Spurs at White Hart Lane. Dr Andrew Deaner, a distinguished cardiologist who studied at the Leeds University School of Medicine, ran to his aid moments after he fell to the ground.

Paramedics desperately tried to resuscitate him but it was almost two hours before medics were able to get the midfielder’s heart beating on its own.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, QPR’s Shaun Wright Phillips and former team-mate, Arsenal player Johan Djourou, arrived at the hospital yesterday to offer support.