Rapid improvement in the recovery of Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed in an FA Cup match against Tottenham, has prompted Bolton to announce it will resume playing. A Premier League match against Aston Villa Tuesday was postponed. The players met with Coach Owen Coyle Wednesday and in a statement released on the team's Web site, Coyle said, "We spoke together with the players as a group this morning and I talked with Fabrice's family last night.

"Fabrice's father, Marcel, and his fiancee, Shauna, were keen that we fulfill our fixtures. Once the players knew this, there was no doubt in our minds that we would play the matches."

Muamba went into cardiac arrest late in the first half against Tottenham and was taken to the hospital. His condition improved Monday and by Tuesday night, the 23-year-old was able to communicate with friends, family and the medical staff.

Bolton club doctor Jonathan Tobin, who visited Muamba on Tuesday evening, said: "I'm glad to say that the early signs of recovery have continued. I went to see Fabrice last night. I went in and he said: 'Hi, doc.' I asked him how he was and he said: 'Fine.'"