Gerard Houllier could be back at work at Liverpool in three months, according to chief executive Rick Parry.
And Parry insists there will be no interim appointment to cover the Frenchman's absence from his role in charge of the club.
Houllier had major surgery on Saturday night and is still in Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool, leaving the running of the team for last night's Champions League victory in Kiev to his assistant Phil Thompson.
Club chairman David Moores visited Houllier in hospital on Tuesday only hours before Liverpool's 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev.
Parry said: "The chairman went to see him and was thrilled that Gerard recognised him and he is doing brilliantly and making steady progress.
"And I expect Gerard to be back in two to three months."
It is clear now that Thompson will be left in control until Houllier's return which could be around February.
Parry added: "There has been all sorts of unhelpful views about our future but our line has always been 'it's business as usual'.
"We have a very competent team here both in terms of playing staff and coaching staff and we are going to carry on as we are. There will be no short-term changes or appointments.
"All we are focusing on is letting Gerard take it day by day. The thing we care most about is his health."
PA