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Michael Schumacher: Manager Sabine Kehm rejects claims doctors have stopped 'waking up process'

German magazine reported efforts to awaken Formula One star had ended

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 25 February 2014 11:19 GMT
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Michael Schumacher has been in a medically induced coma for two months
Michael Schumacher has been in a medically induced coma for two months (GETTY IMAGES)

Michael Schumacher’s manager has dismissed claims by a German magazine that doctors have stopped the “waking up process” as he continues to be slowly brought out of the medically-induced coma he has been in for nearly two months.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion remains in a stable condition in the Grenoble University Hospital after suffering a serious head trauma while skiing off-piste in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.

German publication Focus reported earlier this week that “insiders” close to Schumacher had informed them that doctors had stopped attempts to awaken the 45-year-old “due to complications”.

However, Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm, who has acted as a spokesperson for Schumacher and his family throughout the ordeal, has confirmed that the situation remains “unchanged” and has stressed the importance for patience with what can be a very lengthy process.

“This phase can take a long time which, much to our regret, can lead to many misinterpretations,” said Kehm on Tuesday.

Schumacher is receiving around-the-clock medical care after undergoing two operations to reduce swelling on his brain and remove haematomas formed from the severe impact. The former Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes driver was skiing with family and friends when he hit a rock while skiing around eight metres off-piste, catapulting him into the air before hitting his head on another rock.

SCHUMACHER BEING BROUGHT OUT OF COMA 'SLOWLY'

His former Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa visited his close friend ahead of last week’s pre-season testing event in Bahrain, and he revealed that Schumacher had looked “normal” and had “made some reactions with the mouth”.

“He was sleeping, and I was very positive because he was normal,” revealed Massa. “He also gave some reactions with the mouth and everything.

“It looked positive. We need to believe. He's a very strong man, a great man and I really hope he can wake up and enjoy life again.”

READ MORE: SCHUMACHER'S CONDITION DOWNGRADED TO 'NOT CRITICAL'
OPENING DAY OF F1 SEASON SEES FURTHER TRIBUTES TO SCHUMACHER
ALONSO HOPES TO EMULATE FORMER RIVAL'S SUCCESS

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