Recovering Albrecht returns home

Albrecht has been tipped to take the World Cup title in the near future

Swiss skier Daniel Albrecht has returned home to continue his recovery from a serious training crash.

Doctors at Innsbruck University hospital confirmed that his condition had improved sufficiently to allow his transfer to Bern over the weekend.

"His condition is, under the current circumstances, satisfactory," Swiss medical staff said.

The 25-year-old suffered brain and lung injuries in an accident four weeks ago at the Austrian resort of Kitzbuehel.

Hospital staff treating Albrecht placed him in an induced coma after he lost control on the final jump of the Streif course, became airborne for about 40 metres and landed on his back.

He woke from the coma on 12 February when doctors were satisfied that his brain had not swollen and that his organs had stabilised.

Although it is believed that the 2007 super-combined world champion will make a full recovery from his injuries, his doctor in Innsbruck warned he may suffer breathing problems due to a lung infection contracted after the crash.

"Doctors have prescribed complete rest for the patient," said a statement from Bern University's Insel hospital.

Albrecht has two giant slalom wins to his name this season. He was eighth in the World Cup standings at the time of the crash, but has since slipped to 10th in the rankings.