Former Fulham goalkeeper Sergio Rico is now able to communicate with his family after coming out of a coma following a life-threatening accident a month ago, according to French sports paper L’Equipe.

The Paris Saint Germain custodian, who suffered serious injuries after being knocked off his horse and kicked in the head by another horse earlier this summer, could even leave intensive care shortly with doctors encouraged by his progress. Rico’s wife, Alba Silva, confirmed that he had been able to communicate with his loved ones and has not suffered any memory loss – which is always a concerned after significant trauma.

Silva told L’Equipe this afternoon:

“Sergio communicates. He calls us by our name, he knows perfectly well who we are, his memory has returned. When will he be released from intensive care? As soon as possible, I hope. But, doctors have to be sure of themselves, and they haven’t decided yet. We trust them. I don’t think he was aware of his accident, but we will have to wait until he can really express himself. We’re just trying, for now, to make it feel good, calm.”