Gary Lineker "doubly gutted" as he announces rare absence from Match of the Day

Gary Lineker has confirmed he will be missing from tonight's BBC Match of the Day show due to illness.

Lineker has become the face of the flagship Premier League highlights show in recent years since becoming presenter back in 1999.

But he confirmed on his Twitter account that Mark Chapman will take charge tonight (Saturday, October 16) as he struggles with illness.

Lineker wrote: "There's a cracking Premier League fixture list today so doubly gutted at not being able to do @BBCMOTD.

"Had this awful cold for a few days that's doing the rounds… not Covid thankfully. The brilliant @markchapman will take the reins."

Gary Lineker will miss tonight's BBC Match of the Day show due to illness ( Image:

BBC/Pete Dadds)

Lineker's club, Leicester City, will be in action against Manchester United today in one of the main fixtures to be featured on the show.

Liverpool also take on Watford in the early kick-off whilst Brentford host Chelsea this evening on an exciting day of top flight action.

Lineker rarely misses a Match of the Day show and signed a five-year contract with the BBC in 2020.

He said at the time: "I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team.

"I'm looking forward to the next five years - with a European Championship and World Cup on the horizon, it's exciting times for me and the team."

At the end of last season, Lineker left his role as Champions League host on BT Sport, joining LaLiga TV.

"I thought after 32 years it was time to return to @LaLiga," the former Barcelona striker said at the time.

"Delighted to join."