The Frenchman has astonished medical staff with the speed of his recovery, and in a statement released this evening, Houllier has offered his thanks to the medical team who looked after him following his admission after being taken ill during his side’s Premiership encounter with Leeds at Anfield on October 13.

But Houllier also revealed that Ferguson who will be attempting to grab three points from Liverpool when he takes his side down the East Lancashire Road for one of the season’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures on Sunday morning was among his visitors.

‘‘I have been touched by the concern shown by many others from outside the club,’’ said Houllier.

‘‘I heard about the warmth of the reception at Charlton and can tell you that five Premiership managers also visited me in hospital.

‘‘He wouldn’t want me to say it, but I appreciated the fact that my old friend Alex Ferguson was one of those people.

‘‘Our two clubs face each other on Sunday and despite the intense local rivalry, it was a great boost to receive separate goodwill messages from the staff and players at Old Trafford.’’