Fabrice Muamba remains in critical condition following cardiac arrest during Bolton's FA Cup tie with Tottenham

The 23-year-old England U-21 midfielder was admitted to hospital on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest during the first-half of the White Hart Lane fixture.

And while a joint statement released by Bolton and The London Chest Hospital this morning has confirmed that the player’s heart started working again following ‘prolonged resuscitation,’ the former Arsenal and Birmingham midfielder remains in a fight for his life in intensive care.

The statement said: “Fabrice Muamba remains in a critical condition in intensive care in the Heart Attack Centre at The London Chest Hospital.

”Fabrice was admitted to the hospital yesterday evening after collapsing at White Hart Lane, where he sustained a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

”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.”

Bolton Wanderers Manager 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. The family would also like to thank the media for respecting their privacy at this time."

Coyle, who remained in London overnight, spoke to the media early on Sunday morning to admit that Muamba faced a critical day.

"Fabrice is critically ill.” Coyle said. “The next 24 hours are going to be absolutely crucial.

"We've obviously been inundated with people wishing him well and we hope that if everybody can pray strongly tonight that Fabrice is able to recover.”

Supporters have started to leave get well wishes to Muamba at the Reebok Stadium, with two shirts laid beneath the memorial commemorating Burnden Park disaster in 1946, which led to the loss of 33 lives.

Both shirts carried ‘get well soon messages’ to Muamba, who signed for Bolton in a £5m transfer from Birmingham in June 2008.

The Premier League has announced that Tuesday's game between Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers has been postponed.

A statement from the league read: "Following Fabrice Muamba's admission to hospital yesterday evening the Premier League and Aston Villa have agreed to Bolton Wanderers' request to postpone the Premier League match between the two clubs scheduled for Tuesday 20th March.

"The match will be rearranged at a future date following appropriate consultation with the clubs.

"The thoughts of the Premier League, its clubs and players are with Fabrice Muamba, his family and Bolton Wanderers at this difficult time."