Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba was last night said by doctors to be breathing on his own again, although he remained in an intensive care unit after his on-field cardiac arrest.

A statement by the hospital where the 23-year-old is being treated said: “Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at The London Chest Hospital.

“He is continuing to show signs of improvement this evening. He is currently able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator.”

The statement added: “He has also been able to recognise family members and respond to questions appropriately.

“These are all positive signs of progress. However, his condition remains serious and our medical staff in intensive care will continue to monitor and treat him.

“His family and club would like to thank the media for continuing to respect their privacy at this time.”

Muamba slumped onto the turf towards the end of the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane stadium in London on Saturday.

Millions of TV viewers saw medical staff attempting to resuscitate him on the pitch as players, who were visibly shaken, looked on before Muamba was stretchered off the field.

His manager at Premier League club Bolton, Owen Coyle, spoke of the midfielder’s “brave fight” after visiting Muamba in hospital yesterday.

Coyle said the player’s family appreciated the many messages of support they had received.

“They have been inundated as we all have, both in the football community globally and family and friends. People are taking a genuine interest and a real concern in how Fabrice is doing,” he said.