Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola will miss the club next two matches after a “routine operation” on his back.
The treble-winning manager of City said he had been experiencing “severe back pain for some time” and had flown to Barcelona for “emergency” but “routine” surgery.
The Spanish manager will stay in Barcelona while he recovers from the procedure and is anticipated to miss City’s games against Fulham on September 2 and Sheffield United this Sunday.
In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will temporarily assume management of the team.
After the international break, City anticipates that 52-year-old Guardiola will return to the sidelines for their match against West Ham on September 16.
A Manchester City statement said: “Pep Guardiola has today (Tuesday) undergone a routine operation on a back problem.
“The Manchester City boss has been suffering from severe back pain for some time lately and flew out to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca. The surgery was a success, and Pep will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.
“In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee the coaching of the first team on the training field and will assume duties on the touchline until Pep’s return.
“He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
