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17th Dec 2018

Michael Schumacher is reportedly ‘no longer bed-ridden or surviving on tubes’

James Dawson

The racing driver’s family have kept much of his recovery secret

Michael Schumacher’s condition has improved to the point that he is no longer consigned entirely to bed, it is reported.

As he approaches the 5th anniversary of the day he suffered a head injury while skiing in Meribel, in the French Alps, that left him comatose, the Daily Mail has claimed that the seven-time F1 world champion is “no longer surviving on tubes”.

The injury occurred on the 29 December 2013, but his family have maintained secrecy around the 49-year-old’s recovery and condition. However, it is reported he could soon be moved to a specialist brain injury clinic in Dallas, Texas.

Mark Weeks, the clinic’s director, told German magazine Bravo: “We have a lot of experience with patients who are suffering this kind of trauma.

“There is probably no clinic in Europe that treats as many cases as we do.”

The former racing driver is currently believed to be receiving £50,000-a-week nursing near to his home in Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Despite the privacy around this condition, the clearest indication of Schumacher’s recovery came following reports he was able to walk again in 2016, something vehemently denied by manager Sabine Kehm.

“Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true,” she said. “Such speculation is irresponsible, because, given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael.”