Fresh doubts have been cast over Gerard Houllier’s ability to continue as Villa manager today after further details of his health problems were revealed.

The 63-year-old Frenchman was admitted to hospital last week after complaining of chest pains and has been kept in for tests since.

It has now been confirmed by club doctor Mark Waller that Houllier suffered a dissection of the descending aorta, which is a similar condition to the one he suffered in 2001 while he was in charge of Liverpool.

On that occasion Houllier required an 11-hour operation on his heart and, while the current problem does not require surgery and can be treated by medication, it is likely that he will be advised to avoid the stress of Premier League management.

Dr Waller said: “Gerard was admitted to hospital after complaining of chest pain. The cause of his chest pain was a dissection of the descending aorta. All the tests have confirmed that his heart is working perfectly.

“We are extremely encouraged by Gerard’s improvement over the past six days and we now anticipate that he will be discharged from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital within the next three to four days.”

What is certain is that Houllier will not be seen in the dugout again this season, with assistant boss Gary McAllister taking over the reins for the remaining four games of the campaign.

His long-term future remains in question and, while the Villa hierarchy will give Houllier every opportunity to make a return, they will only let him if he is healthy enough to do so.

The Villa boss has also spoken for the first time since he fell ill and publicly thanked fans for all the support he has received.

He said: “I am extremely touched by all the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football. It has been overwhelming.

“I’m especially grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement and to the fans of clubs up and down the country.

“There has been a groundswell of good will and I appreciate this so much. I’m grateful to my players for their texts and messages and, of course, for their efforts in extending our recent unbeaten run.

“I’m grateful, too, to my managerial colleagues who have taken the time to get in touch with me.”