Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister will take the managerial role for this weekend's home clash with Stoke City in the absence of Gerard Houllier who has fallen ill.
Houllier was admitted to hospital yesterday and is undergoing more tests today to find out the extent of the problem.
He will certainly not be fit to lead Villa into battle against the high-flying Potters and the club have confirmed that McAllister will be the man to oversee things on Saturday.
"I spoke with Gerard this morning, as did Gary before he took training, and he sounded very positive," said chief executive Paul Faulkner.
"I've also received a lot of good wishes from fans and I would like to thank them for their kind thoughts in wishing Gerard a speedy recovery.
"I will see him this afternoon, along with Gary, and we will pass on the fans' messages. I know they will mean a lot to him.
"We would ask everybody to respect his privacy and that of his family at this time."
