Doctors have completely stopped sedating Paris St Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who had been in a medically-induced coma for 10 days following a riding accident, the hospital in the Spanish city of Sevilla treating the player said on Wednesday.
According to the hospital's medical report, Rico was "progressing favourably", though he remained in intensive care and his condition was still serious.
The Spaniard suffered severe injuries after being hit by a mule cart and a horse while taking part in an annual pilgrimage in southern Spain on 28 May, his family said.
Spanish sports newspaper Marca reported that Rico had been riding a horse himself at the time of the accident.
Rico had been given permission by PSG to take part in the pilgrimage, according to his family.
The hospital said it would issue a new statement on Friday unless there were significant changes before then.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch the FIFA Under-20 World Cup Championships on the RTÉ News channel and RTÉ Player
Watch Derry City v Bohemians in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on all matches on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
Watch the Champions League final, Manchester City v Inter Milan, on Saturday from 7pm on the RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player and follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
