BOLTON PLAYER MUAMBA REMAINS IN 'CRITICAL CONDITION'

LONDON (AFP) - Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba was still in a 'critical condition' in intensive care Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest, a joint statement issued by the club and the London Chest Hospital said.

'As is normal medical practice, Fabrice remains anaesthetised in intensive care and will be for at least 24 hours,' the statement added. 'His condition continues to be closely monitored by the cardiac specialists at the hospital.'

The 23-year-old Kinshasa-born player was rushed to hospital after harrowing scenes towards the end of the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday, when the midfielder slumped to the turf with no player near him.

Sunday's statement confirmed Muamba had suffered a cardiac arrest but added his heart had 'eventually' started working.

'He was admitted to the hospital yesterday (Saturday) evening after collapsing at White Hart Lane, where he sustained a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup Quarter Final against Tottenham Hotspur,' the statement said.

'Fabrice received prolonged resuscitation at the ground and on route to the London Chest Hospital, where his heart eventually started working.'

Bolton manager Owen Coyle added: 'Fabrice's family have asked me to pass on their thanks for the many, many kind messages of support from not only Bolton fans but also fans from clubs across the country and abroad.

'All our thoughts and prayers are for Fabrice and his family at this time. The family would also like to thank the media for respecting their privacy at this time.'

Sunday's statement was issued shortly after 11am local time (1100GMT) and it concluded by saying 'no further updates are planned at this time'.