Cherie: Injured Tony upset at tennis ban

Tony Blair is "very upset" that his back injury has stopped him playing tennis, his wife Cherie has revealed.

The Prime Minister is working today at his country retreat Chequers after hospital treatment for a prolapsed disc.

The disclosure that Mr Blair, 52, has been in pain for weeks has revived speculation that ill health could see him quit Downing Street earlier than planned.

He has had two heart scares in the past two years

and announced that he

would quit before the next general election - expected in 2009 - after being treated for an irregular heartbeat.

His latest condition was revealed by No 10 after he was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital in north London for an injection of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Mrs Blair, speaking after a legal awards dinner late last night, said her husband

would not

be picking up a tennis racquet for six weeks. "He's fine and it's business as usual," she said. "I know he's got meetings tomorrow but he isn't allowed to play tennis at the weekend which he's very upset about."

She hinted that the Prime Minister was a little nervous before his treatment. "Men are never brave, are they?" she joked. She went on: "It's a prolapsed disc which is less serious than a slipped disc. He went in for a cortisone injection."

Mr Blair was limping during the election

campaign. He put on weight but appears slim again now.

Downing Street said the back problem would not affect Mr Blair's schedule and he would be meeting the Spanish premier at Chequers today.

Last night's hospital visit came after a full day's work at Downing Street, including three hours of discussions on the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr Blair also hosted a reception to thank workers who took part in his general election tour.