Diouf won't play in Celtic return

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has confirmed that El Hadji Diouf will not play against Celtic in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.

Houllier is still waiting to hear if Uefa intend taking any action against the Senegal striker following the spitting incident in 1-1 draw at Parkhead.

Liverpool have already fined Diouf two weeks' wages.

Houllier said: "We'll have to wait and see what Uefa say first. They will make a decision at some point this week.

"But, either way, I don't think I'll be playing Diouf in this game," he told www.liverpoolfc.co.uk.

Uefa plan to deal with the incident before the return leg of Liverpool's game against Celtic.

Uefa spokesman Mike Lee said: "We are aware of Liverpool's decision but we would still like to deal with the case ahead of the second leg.