Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has admitted that he is "astonished" by the progress of Fabrice Muamba.
The Trotters midfielder has been in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during their abandoned FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur.
However, recent reports have indicated that the 24-year-old's condition is improving after it emerged he joked with visiting friends on Tuesday.
"We are all astonished with how far he has come. But we have to stress he is still in intensive care and he is still seriously ill," said Coyle.
"He has a long way to go but what has happened is encouraging and we have to keep that in our thoughts."
Despite the good signs regarding Muamba's health, Coyle had confessed that his players may find it difficult when they return to action against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
"You don't move on. We have a game to play and we have to go and play it. Will it be difficult? Absolutely. Our thoughts are still with Fabrice Muamba."
The match at the Reebok Stadium will be Bolton's first since Muamba's collapse after they postponed their midweek fixture against Aston Villa.
Joe Fish
