Fabrice Muamba got out of bed for the first time this weekend as he continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from a cardiac arrest.
It is now 10 days since the Bolton midfielder collapsed during the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur.
And the latest update brought more positive news.
"Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at The London Chest Hospital where his condition is serious but stable," said a statement released by the hospital and Bolton Wanderers.
"He continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery. Over the weekend, he has been able to sit out of bed for a short time, watch television and has begun to eat.
"However, he will need to continue to be closely monitored by the medical team at The London Chest for some time."
Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager, will visit Muamba today as Bolton return to London to replay the cup tie.
"A few of the lads went down to see him last week and there will probably be a small representation to go and see him before the game," Coyle said.
"Everyone would want to be there but that would be impossible and Fabrice's recovery is paramount. The players who do go can filter back the news. That will help.
"Fabrice is not just a teammate and a colleague. He is a dear friend to those lads. They want to know he is getting better. The progress Fabrice has made … has been truly remarkable."
Coyle confirmed the former England Under 21 captain watched Bolton's weekend victory over Blackburn Rovers.
The manager said the fact that Muamba is improving allowed Bolton to replay the tie tonight.
"If it was different circumstances, it might be a different conversation," he said. "The great thing is that he is getting better.
"We will do our best, as we always try to do. Will it be emotional? Of course. But I can't say how it is going to be until we are physically there."
