Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has undergone emergency back surgery after suffering severe pains.
Guardiola went under the knife in Barcelona, where he is now recovering, and the club has confirmed that he will miss the Premier League matches away to Sheffield United and at home to Fulham before returning after the September international break.
Confirming the news, Manchester City stated in a statement that “Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem.
“The Manchester City boss has been suffering with 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 looks forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
Lillo returned to City this summer after coaching Qatari club Al Sadd for a season, with his first stint in Manchester taking place between 2020 and 2022.
City began the 2018 Premier League season with victories over Burnley and Newcastle, as they look to defend the championship they won as part of their historic triple triumph last season, when they won the division for the fifth time in the last six years.
