By Victor Kanayo
Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola, will miss his team’s next two Premier League matches after undergoing minor back surgery in Barcelona.
This was disclosed by his club via a statement on Tuesday.
The statement reads, “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 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.”
Guardiola guided the club to the Premier League, FA Cup and their first Champions League title last season.
City sit second in the Premier League in the early stages of this campaign, level on six points with leaders Brighton and Arsenal in third, after beating Burnley and Newcastle in their opening two games.
They also won the Uefa Super Cup by beating Europa League winners Sevilla 5-4 on penalties in Athens last week.
City will go to Sheffield United on Sunday and host Fulham on September 2, 2023, at the Etihad Stadium.
