Ian Rush hospitalised and spent 48 hours in intensive care

He has returned home and is recovering well

The Daily Mail reported that the Liverpool legend was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital this week after he encountered breathing difficulties at home.

Friends of the 64-year-old said that the alarm was raised in the middle of the week after he began feeling unwell at home.

Rush was subsequently rushed to hospital where he was placed into ICU.

Despite this, Liverpool's all-time top goal scorer is said to be "in good spirits" after the ordeal and is expected to be at home for Christmas.

The Liverpool Echo reports that Rush is still at the facility, but is recovering well.

Rush scored 346 goals across all competitions for Liverpool.

He is also an ambassador for the club.

It is believed the Welshman contracted a strain of the 'superflu' that has been making headlines of late as it spreads around the country, putting sizeable pressure on the NHS.

The rise in cases has led to hospitals across the country declaring the spread as a critical incident.

The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is one of those to declare a critical incident at four hospitals.

So has has the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

People are concerned that this winter could be the worst flu season the UK has seen on record, as cases also increase in Europe.