Doctors treating Michael Schumacher have confirmed that there has been a 'slight improvement' in his condition after undergoing a second operation on Monday night.

The 44-year-old had surgery to reduce brain swelling and remove blood clots after hitting his head on a rock while skiing off-piste at Meribel in the French Alps on Sunday.

Schumacher remains in an induced coma, though a new scan, which was taken after the second operation, has showed no signs of any worsening of original lesions on the brain. Doctors have revealed that Schumacher's situation is now "better controlled", but claimed that it was too soon to make any more predictions on his long-term health.

"We can't say he is out of danger, but we have gained more time. The hours to come are crucial," doctors said at a news conference.

"In intensive care things can go well or badly very quickly."

Schumacher's wife, Corinna, daughter Gina Maria and son Mick are all believed to be with him at hospital.