RICHMOND midfielder Ben Cousins has been released from hospital after being diagnosed with a painful case of gastro enteritis.

The 31-year-old was admitted to the Epworth Hospital in Richmond after he sought medical treatment on Thursday morning for persistent stomach pain.

He was required to fast overnight before undergoing tests on Friday afternoon to discover the cause of the pain.

He has since been released and will miss the Tigers' NAB Challenge clash with Essendon on Saturday.

"Ben was found to be suffering from a slight gastric inflammation," Richmond general manager of football Craig Cameron said.

"He will rest up over the weekend and he will be back at training on Monday."

Cousins suffered a serious hamstring injury in round one, 2009; his comeback to football and debut as a Tiger.

He eventually played 15 matches for the year and had been enjoying a smooth pre-season until the recent illness struck.

Ben Cousins is a $352,100 midfielder in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition