Schumacher manager denies report on ex-racer’s health

DPA/BerlinThe manager of Michael Schumacher (pictured) has denied a German magazine report that the record Formula One champion can walk again almost two years after he suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident. “Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to make it clear that the assertion that Michael can walk again do not correspond to the facts,” Sabine Kehm told the mass-circulation Bild newspaper. Speculation of this nature was “irresponsible” because “for Michael in view of the severity of his injuries the protection of his privacy is very important”. It also raises “false hopes” for fans and well-wishers, she added. Schumacher, 46, spent months in an induced coma following his accident in Meribel, France on December 29, 2013. He was moved from hospital to a rehabilitation clinic in June 2014, with his rehabilitation continuing at home in Switzerland in September that year.German magazine Bunte reported that Schumacher is now able to take “tentative” steps with the aid of a carer and has regained slight movement in one arm.The front page of Bunte yesterday -- headlined “He can move again” -- has been published days before the second anniversary of his devastating ski accident in the French Alps.Bunte says it is standing by its story and has no intention of removing it from newstands.The report has an unnamed confidante of his telling the magazine: “Michael is very thin. But he can once again walk a little with the help of his therapists. He manages to make a couple of steps. And he can also raise an arm.”Schumacher was holidaying with his wife Corinna and children Mick and Gina Maria on December 29, 2013, when he smashed his head on rocks during a low-speed ski-run at the resort of Mirabel where he owned a villa.After being airlifted off the mountain, he underwent emergency operations to save his life, was placed in an artificial coma and spent months in hospital.Since September last year, he has received extended therapy and care in a purpose-built medical suite at his Lake Geneva mansion where a team of 15 people look after him around the clock.