Fabrice Muamba breathing without ventilator, talking again

LONDON - English footballer Fabrice Muamba began breathing independently and responding to family members on Monday, showing significant signs of recovery in intensive care two days after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match.

The 23-year-old Bolton midfielder collapsed on the pitch just before halftime at Tottenham on Saturday. Initial attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and his heart started beating on its own again only later in the hospital.

For two days, amid an outpouring of global support, Muamba remained in critical condition in intensive care in a heart attack unit, and his long-term prognosis was uncertain.

But the Congo-born player made progress throughout Monday, with medics no longer describing his condition as “critical’’ by the evening.

“He is continuing to show signs of improvement this evening,’’ Bolton and the London Chest Hospital said in a joint statement.

“He is now able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator. He has also been able to recognize family members and respond to questions appropriately.

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

Muamba’s friend, Curtis Codrington, said the family told him the player was speaking “minimal words in English and French, which is better than nothing.’’

That was later confirmed by Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien after a hospital visit.

The player’s fiancee reflected the optimism of the medics.

“All your prayers are working people thank u so so much,’’ Shauna Muamba wrote on Twitter. “Every prayer makes him stronger. To God be the glory.’’

The couple has a 3-year-old son, Joshua, and became engaged on Valentine’s Day.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said earlier Monday that Muamba, who has played 33 matches for England’s Under-21 team, had been putting up a “brave fight.’’

“There is a real hope he can come through this. When situations like this occur there is a real strength, a real unity, a real togetherness .?.?. that has given [the family] an incredible energy,’’ Coyle said outside the east London hospital.

Muamba, a former Arsenal and Birmingham player, fled to England with his family in 1999 to escape the civil war in Congo.

“When you look what he has come through in his life, already he is a natural fighter. He is a physically fit young man,’’ Coyle said. “If those things can help at all, it will be a source of help and encouragement.’’

FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote to Bolton Chairman Phil Gartside on Monday to wish Muamba “strength as he continues to fight to recover.’’

“Moments like these show us what is truly important in life and also illustrate the great solidarity that exists between football fans in times of trouble,’’ Blatter wrote.

AP