Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba has been able to recognize family members and respond to questions appropriately after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup quarterfinal, the hospital said on Monday.

But although the 23-year-old midfielder is continuing to show signs of improvement, his condition remains serious in intensive care, the London Chest Hospital said in a statement.

"He is currently able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator," the statement continued.