Fabrice Muamba Update: Bolton Midfielder Recovering After Cardiac Arrest

After collapsing at White Hart Lane last Saturday, Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba is showing "early signs of recovery," according to team doctor Jonathan Tobin.

Tobin said on Wednesday, via the Mirror:

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I'm glad to say that the early signs of recovery have continued. I went to see Fabrice last night. I went in and he said: 'Hi, doc.' I asked him how he was and he said: 'Fine.'

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After suffering a cardiac arrest last Saturday at White Hart Lane, Muamba was "effectively dead" for one hour and 18 minutes, according to Tobin. Medics reportedly worked on Muamba for 48 minutes between White Hart Lane and his arrival at the hospital, and then for 30 more minutes at the hospital. Muamba failed to respond to 15 separate defibrillator shocks before his heart started beating again.

Dr. Andrew Deaner, a cardiologist and Tottenham fan who rushed from his seat in the crowd to the pitch to help Muamba, said via the Mirror, "If you're going to use the term miraculous, I guess it could be used here."

Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital. Tobin remains cautiously optimistic, but medics were unable to confirm whether he would ever be able to play professional soccer again.

Tobin said, "These are the very first steps of a very long pathway that Fabrice is going to go down."

Consultant cardiologist Dr. Sam Mohidden, who has been caring for Muamba at the hospital, said:

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"Fabrice has continued to demonstrate positive signs of recovery and he has not only exceeded our expectations but also our hopes in the way he's recovered.

"But this remains very early in what could be a lengthy recovery period."

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The 23-year-old has reportedly been able to recount the events at White Hart Lane and he's able to talk and recognize friends and family members.

Muamba has played in 20 games in the English Premier League this season for Bolton.