Bolton Wanderers doctor Jonathan Tobin has revealed that Fabrice Muamba is unaware of the "implications" of his situation around the world.
Muamba, whose condition is understood to be improving, remains in a serious condition at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during Bolton's FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane last weekend.
"I think the over-excited talk of Fabrice returning to football is irrelevant," said Tobin, according to The Sun. "We look after our own.
"He's still in the ICU and unaware of what has been said about him. He doesn't know the implications this has had on the whole planet.
"This is the first step in a long, long road."
Meanwhile, several Premier League teams wore 'Get well soon Muamba' shirts ahead of last night's fixtures.