Sick Houllier misses game

Houllier was taken ill on Friday evening

Gerard Houllier was not be in charge of Liverpool in the Premiership match at home to Middlesbrough, because he was suffering with gastro-enteritis.

The Liverpool manager was taken ill on Friday evening at the team hotel and was diagnosed by a doctor.

He was then advised not to attend Anfield today, and assistant Phil Thompson took charge of the team.

Houllier had been in fine spirits on Friday for his regular media briefings but felt unwell in the afternoon.

Match preview: Liverpool v Middlesbrough

A Liverpool spokesman said: "The doctor has told him he should not attend the match after seeing him at the team hotel last night."

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