Doctors say George Best will remain in hospital for a number of weeks, despite making good progress following his liver transplant.
He has eaten for the first time since his operation.
Best is doing very well and will briefly leave his bed later at the Cromwell Hospital, west London, the hospital spokesman says.
The spokesman added the 56-year-old's "blood tests are all satisfactory".
"He is beginning to take small amounts of food and will be sitting out of bed later today."
Best would be sipping specially prepared liquid food and sitting in a chair in his room, the spokesman said.
Consultant physician Professor Roger Williams, who is supervising Best's care, has said that rejection of the liver should not be a major problem but could still occur.
If the operation is successful, Best should soon notice improvements in his health, including better skin texture and hair texture, and he should have more energy.
Most long-term complications will be related to the drugs he will have to take afterwards, which could lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage and an increased risk of tumours in the lymph gland.
PA