Schumacher to sit out Malaysia GP

It has emerged the German is suffering with inflammation in his knees - a condition which looks likely to keep his out of his Ferrari for the next race.

'I've tried to put some pressure on my knees, but they inflamed immediately,' said Schumacher.

'By next year I think everything will be okay. But this winter will be very tough for me.'

Schumacher is due to undergo a medical check-up in Paris today.

He is also due to test for the Italian team at Fiorano this Thursday.

'Michael will make a new attempt to race at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on 31 October,' commented Schumacher spokesman Heiner Buchinger.

'Personally I think there is a very realistic chance he will be there to race.'

The latest twist in the saga of Schumacher's absence from Formula One will disappoint his Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine, who stated earlier this week that he needed the German's help to chase this year's world championship.

His rival McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen could wrap up this year's title with a win at the Japanese track.

Double world champion Schumacher broke his right leg after crashing during the British Grand Prix in July.

He has tested for Ferrari at Fiorano and Mugello in Italy since the accident, but says he is in too much pain to drive.