Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba is said by doctors to be “showing small signs of improvement” although he remains in an intensive care unit after his on-field cardiac arrest.

A statement issued by the London hospital where he is being treated says: “Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at The London Chest Hospital, where today (Monday) he is showing small signs of improvement.

“His heart is now beating without the help of medication and he is also moving his arms and his legs.”

But the statement on Monday said the long-term prognosis for the 23-year-old midfielder “will remain unclear for some time”.

“He is still critically ill and will continue to be closely monitored and treated by staff in The London Chest Hospital’s intensive care unit.”

Muamba slumped onto the turf towards the end of the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane stadium in London on Saturday.

Millions of TV viewers saw medical staff attempting to resuscitate him as players, who were visibly shaken, looked on before Muamba was taken to hospital.