George Michael’s friends  have revealed that the singer is recovering from his recent health problems and is now “on the mend”.

According to The Metro, Michael’s partner Fadi Fawaz confirmed that the performer’s condition was improving, but he was unlikely to be out of hospital in time for Christmas.

Michael was diagnosed with pneumonia last month and was said to be receiving round-the-clock care at Austria’s AKH General Hospital in Vienna. The illness forced him to shelve all of his tour dates for 2011 and reschedule them for next year.

However, there has been no further update on whether the singer will still be able to perform once he recovers. Previously, Dr Gerrit Wohlt, who is treating Michael, said his voice may be damaged by the treatment he is receiving.

“It depends how long he spends on the ventilator, but in the worst case his illness could seriously affect his singing capacity,” he told The Sun. “The pressure is very close to his vocal cords and it could affect them.”