The doctor treating George Best admits the Manchester United legend has suffered "a big setback" in his fight against illness in hospital.
The 59-year-old has a "new and severe infection" and is in intensive care at the Cromwell Hospital in west London, where he has been since being admitted at the beginning of October.
The former Northern Ireland international had been making steady progress but has now taken a turn for the worst, according to Prof Roger Williams.
Outside the hospital Prof Williams, who oversaw Best's liver transplant three years ago, said: "Mr Best is not so well. He has been admitted back to intensive care."