BOLTON WANDERERS midfielder Fabrice Muamba is in intensive care this morning following his sudden collapse during yesterday’s FA Cup quaterfinal against Tottenham.
No other players were around Muamba when he collapsed shortly before the end of the first half.
Efforts were made to resuscitate the 23-year-old on the pitch and he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
The match was subsequently abandoned by referee Howard Webb.
A club statement released this morning read: “Fabrice Muamba remains in a critical condition in intensive care in the Heart Attack Centre at The London Chest Hospital.
Fabrice received prolonged resuscitation at the ground and on route to The London Chest Hospital, where his heart eventually started working.
“As is normal medical practice, Fabrice remains anaesthetised in intensive care and will be for at least 24 hours. His condition continues to be closely monitored by the cardiac specialists at the hospital.”
Trotters manager Owen Coyle, who went to visit the player in hospital at 11.30am, 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. The family would also like to thank the media for respecting their privacy at this time.”
FA chief David Bernstein issued a statement yesterday expressing his concern for the player.
“On behalf of the FA, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Fabrice Muamba and his family this evening,” he said. “Fabrice has played 33 times for England Under-21s, captaining Stuart Pearce’s side during this time and is a player, and more importantly, a person we care greatly for.”
Muamba’s teammate Stuart Holden said on Twitter that he his thoughts were with the player and his family. ”Still praying for Fab, the guy is a fighter on and off the field. We love you bro,” Holden tweeted.
