Following a successful back surgery, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola will be absent for the upcoming matches against Sheffield United and Fulham.
The City manager underwent an operation in Barcelona to address a persistent back issue and is now expected to focus on his recovery before resuming his duties.
Guardiola traveled to his home country for ’emergency surgery’ and the procedure was completed successfully.
Although he led the team in the opening Premier League victories over Burnley and Newcastle, as well as during the UEFA Supercup in Greece, he will be unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club revealed: ‘The Manchester City boss has been struggling with severe back pain for some time and sought emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca in Barcelona.
‘The surgery was successful, and Pep will now focus on his recovery in Barcelona.
‘During his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will take charge of coaching the first team and manage touchline duties until Pep’s return,’ City added.
‘He is expected to return after the upcoming international break.
‘Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a quick recovery and looks forward to his return to Manchester soon.’
The surgeon who performed the operation on Guardiola specializes in spine microsurgery and minimally invasive spine surgery.
According to the Barcelona Spine Institute, Dr. Illueca previously served as a neurosurgery resident in Majorca and has extensive experience in treating complex spine fractures.
During Guardiola’s absence, assistant manager Lillo will take on the first-team responsibilities.
The 57-year-old rejoined Guardiola’s coaching staff in August after the former assistant Enzo Maresca left to become the manager of Championship side Leicester.
Lillo previously worked for City between 2020 and 2022, contributing to the club’s success in winning two Premier League titles and a Carabao Cup.
Guardiola has expressed his full confidence in Lillo and praised his return to the Etihad this summer.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAr7vWp6CgnaKerm%2B6xmikmqaTnbK0wMSrZJyhpK56pLvAnJ9mqJWleqjBwKuboqeclnq2usOeqaCnlah6o63CpGSsraKcsrPFjJqdrZ2iYrK5vMSroJ6mk567qHnPq6alp56csqV50p6tnqqVYr2itc1o