Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba could be out of hospital within a week, it has been reported.
The midfielder, who turns 24 tomorrow, has been making steady progress at the London Chest Hospital since his cardiac arrest.
According to The Mirror, the speed of his recovery has surprised medical experts, who are now looking ahead to the date of his discharge.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: "Fabrice is doing very well. Phil was down to see him, along with the doctor and the chaplain. We have people popping in and out all of the time.
"My hope is that he comes back to have a great family life with Shauna and young Joshua. Anything else will be a bonus."
Coyle went on to say that the question of whether Muamba will resume his playing career is of secondary importance at present.
"Given his improvement there is always hope, but we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. We are just thrilled to bits," he added.
Earlier today, it was reported that Muamba had taken his first steps since collapsing during his side's FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur on March 17.
Mark Langshaw
