Manchester City Pep Guardiola will miss his side's next two matches, after flying to Barcelona for emergency surgery on his back.
The Premier League champions announced the news on Tuesday, while confirming that assistant manager Juanma Lillo will take charge of training, as well as taking on touchline duties for the next two games.
"Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem," said a club statement.
"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 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."
Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem.
Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 22, 2023
Pep Guardiola on hunt for silverware
The Premier League has two more round of fixtures until the September international break, with City set to travel to Sheffield United this Sunday, before hosting Fulham on September 2nd.
Guardiola has overseen a 100% start to the league season for the Citizens, with 3-0 win away to Burnley on the opening night being followed up by a 1-0 victory at home to Newcastle United.
In between, they picked up their first piece of silverware of the season, by beating Sevilla on penalties in the Uefa Super Cup in Greece.
Guardiola and his team are looking to become the first-ever English side to win four consecutive top flight titles, and will no doubt have their eyes on winning retaining the Champions League and FA Cup, while winning the League Cup for the first time since 2021.
