Michael Schumacher still faces a 'hard fight' as manager denies 'factually wrong' reports
AS the first anniversary of Michael Schumacher's devastating accident approaches, his manager has warned that he still faces a "hard fight".
Michael Schumacher still faces a 'long fight', according to his manager
Speaking on the eve of the accident, which happened on December 29th last year, Sabine Kehm said: "We need a long time. It's going to be a long time and a hard fight.
"He is making progress appropriate to the severity of the situation."
Ms Kehm cast doubt on recent reports that the racing legend is making cognitive progress.
France's Le Parisien printed claims from Schumacher's fellow former Formula One driver Philippe Streiff.
Streiff said that Schumacher "had yet to recover the power of speech" but that "nevertheless he is beginning to recognise his family, his wife and his children, but has big memory problems".
He added that the 45-year-old has "very limited" movement but may one day walk on crutches.
Michael Schumacher - The Driving Phenomenon - 1991 - 2012 Tribute
Streiff said that he had been in touch with French doctor and mutual friend, Gérard Saillant, as well as Schumacher's wife, Corinne.
The driver has used a wheelchair since he was injured in a racing accident in 1989.
Ms Kehm later said that Streiff claims were "factually wrong".
She said: "I cannot confirm that (report).
"I can only confirm that I do not know where Mr Streiff has his information from because he has no contact with us and he never has."
Schumacher was a highly competent skiier
On December 29 2013, Schumacher suffered a freak ski accident in the French Alps, leaving him brain damaged and fighting for his life.
The competent skier was holidaying with family and friends in the resort of Meribel, where he owns a chalet.
Schumacher hit his head on a rock, leaving him brain damaged and fighting for his life.
The force of the blow shattered his ski helmet.
He was treated in intensive care in Grenoble Hospital, France before being transferred to Lausanne Hospital, Switzerland.
He is now being cared for at his home on the shores of Lake Geneva.