PEP GUARDIOLA has undergone emergency back surgery.
He will also miss Manchester City’s upcoming two games.
In Barcelona, Pep Guardiola underwent urgent back surgery.
The Man City manager had the procedure done by Dr. Mireia Illueca.
The 52-year-old Spaniard required surgery to help him manage “severe pain” he had been feeling for “some time.”
And he took a plane to Barcelona to have surgery with the Barcelona Spine Institute’s Dr. Mireia Illueca.
Guardiola will now spend some time recuperating in his own country, City said, just hours after video of the manager receiving a parking penalty in Manchester surfaced online.
The Premier League champions stated: “The Manchester City manager had flown out to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr. Mireia Illueca since he has been experiencing severe back discomfort for a while now.
“The operation was successful, and Pep will now heal and undergo rehabilitation in Barcelona.
“While he is away, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will be in charge of the first team’s coaching on the practice field and take over the touchline duties until Pep’s return.
“He is anticipated to make a comeback during the upcoming international break.
“Everyone at Manchester City hopes Pep recovers quickly and returns to Manchester soon,” the statement read.
Both the away game against Sheffield United on Sunday and the home game against Fulham on September 2 are anticipated to be without Guardiola.
Thus, the Treble-winning manager might not take over until City’s away game against West Ham on September 16.
Due to his weak English proficiency, it is unknown if Lillo would interact with the media. Instead, he will be in charge of directing the players on the sidelines.
The 57-year-old joined City as Mikel Arteta’s replacement in 2020 after starting his coaching career back in 1981, working for teams in Spain, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, and China.
After two years, he accepted the position of manager at Saudi club Al-Sadd to succeed Javi Gracia, however this year he returned to the Etihad after Enzo Maresca left for Leicester.
With victories over Burnley and Newcastle, City has had a flawless start to the year.
Guardiola even enjoyed a humorous exchange with a supporter who was criticising his changes in the game’s closing moments.
Last season, Antonio Conte missed four Tottenham games due to a gallbladder operation that required him to be taken to the hospital.
After undergoing surgery at the Barcelona Spine Institute, Guardiola is recuperating in Spain.
In Guardiola’s absence, Juanma Lillo will be in control of the City squad.
