Manchester City will be without their head coach Pep Guardiola, for their next two games after the Spaniard underwent surgery for severe back pain.
The 52-year-old has been suffering from back problems for some time and could not avoid going under the knife. He successfully underwent an operation performed by Dr Mireia Illueca, a complex micro spine surgery specialist, in Barcelona yesterday and is set to remain in Catalonia to recuperate.
In a statement by Man City, they confirmed that Guardiola will be out till after the international break, and his assistant manager Juanma Lillo will be in charge of the Treble winners for the duration of his absence.
“Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem,” the statement on the club’s official website read.
“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
Guardiola’s assistant Lillo will take training sessions and the two matches before next month’s international break, away at Sheffield United on Sunday and the home game against Fulham a week later.
Guardiola will also be absent from the City Football Academy for the club’s transfer business. The Cityzens are close to sealing a £ 55 million move for Rennes winger Jeremy Doku. They are also expected to announce a new contract for Bernardo Silva over the coming weeks.
