London: Fabrice Muamba of Wanderers showed signs of recovery Monday night but still remains in intensive care after spending two days in medically induced coma. The medical team treating him at the London Chest Hospital have sounded a note of cautious optimism.

"He is continuing to show signs of improvement this evening. He is currently able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator. 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," said a statement released jointly by the Barts and London NHS Trust and the player's club.

The Daily Telegraph reported that earlier in the day surgeons withdrew the medication that had at one point kept his heart beating.

"It led to the hospital releasing a 3.30 p.m. statement that indicated for the first time he had responded to outside stimuli by moving his arms and legs," the statement added.

Muamba's fiancee, Shauna Muganda, also wrote on Twitter: "All your prayers are working, people. Thank you so, so much. Every prayer makes him stronger."

Premier League footballers offered their support to the footballer with Arsenal's Johan Djourou, Queen's Park Rangers' Shaun Wright-Phillips and the Chelsea trio of Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien paying visits.