Lawyer refutes report, says Michael Schumacher 'cannot walk' or stand

Contrary to a December 2015 report in Die Bunte magazine, Michael Schumacher "cannot walk" or even stand, a lawyer for the seven-time F1 champion said.

The admission was made by attorney Felix Damm in a German court during proceedings for a lawsuit against the magazine. Schumacher suffered a traumatic head injury during a skiing accident more than two-and-a-half years ago.

"I told the court on Friday that the alleged claim that Michael Schumacher can walk again is false and simply not true," Damm said to CNN. "Michael cannot even stand with the help of his special therapists. I cannot make any other comments about Michael's health situation."

Die Bunte cited a source claiming that Schumacher was able to take steps and raise an arm with the help of therapists. After the story was published, Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's agent, issued a rebuttal that the driver was unable to move.

"Speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important," Kehm said. "Unfortunately, (Die Bunte) also gave false hopes to many involved people.”

Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma for six months before he was released from a hospital and moved to his home in Switzerland. He also underwent two head operations.

Schumacher retired following the 2006 season, but he returned in 2010. Die Buntedeclined comment when contacted by CNN.

According to ESPN, the judge presiding over the trial "indicated damages are likely to be awarded to the Schumacher family in the region of 40,000 to 100,000 Euros." A verdict is expected next month.