It was confirmed on Monday that the player has started to communicate with family and friends.

Dr Jonathon Tobin said that although the midfielder is still in intensive care after suffering cardiac arrest against Tottenham on Saturday, his recovery is on course.

"I'm glad to say that the early signs of recovery have continued. I went in and he said 'Hi, doc'. I asked him how he was and he said 'Fine'," Dr Tobin said.

"I explained to him what had happened, that's the sort of level of communication I have had with Fabrice."

Tobin also revealed, before arriving at the London Chest Hospital, doctors tried to revive Muamba unsuccessfully for 48 minutes.

The 23-year-old Muamba's heart started beating again after a further 15 shocks.

"In effect, he was dead in that time," Dr Tobin said.