"I spoke to him on the team coach last night and he was very disappointed. He told me he had not sustained an injury all season, then just three days before the Marseille game he does this," revealed Houllier.
"Maybe he will be okay for the second leg. This tie is a big thing for a young French player."
The loss of Le Tallec's creative talents will also be felt keenly by Houllier, who has been pleasantly surprised by the impact made at Anfield by the teenage playmaker.
Houllier added: "I knew he was going to be a player, but I have been surprised by how quickly he has adapted to the physicality of the Premiership.
"When you say something to him he listens carefully and puts the lessons into practice quickly. I have been delighted with his progress and this injury is a disappointment both for him and for us."
