Gerard Houllier is expected to be discharged from hospital within the next 24 hours, Aston Villa has revealed.

The Frenchman was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham last Wednesday complaining of chest pains, which transpired to be a dissection of the descending aorta.

Assistant manager Gary McAllister announced that a “favourable” scan has shown that Houllier will be well enough to leave shortly. However, he is not expected to take back the reins until next season.

The 63-year-old has a history of heart troubles. He was forced to take five months out in 2001 during his time managing Liverpool, when he required life-saving heart surgery.

McAllister will manage first team affairs for the remainder of the season. Their next fixture will be Saturday’s match against West Bromwich Albion.