Report Schumacher can walk 'is not true' - manager

Michael Schumacher's manager has been forced to issue a statement rejecting a report that the seven-time world champion can walk.

A front page story in German magazine Bunte claimed Schumacher has recovered to the extent he can be aided in walking, quoting an unnamed source who allegedly said: "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."

However, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm strongly denied the reports in a statement issued to the media, slamming the article as "irresponsible" on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true,” Kehm said.

“Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael. Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people."

Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013, with the seven-time world champion spending six months in a coma before finally returning home in July 2014 to continue his recovery.

While updates on Schumacher's condition have been few and far between, FIA president Jean Todt said in November that the German "is still fighting".

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