Pep Guardiola will not appear on the touchline for Manchester City’s next two games after undergoing surgery to fix ‘severe back pain’.
City said their eventing-winning manager had been battling an injury for some time and flew to Barcelona on Tuesday for “emergency” but “scheduled” surgery.
Guardiola will remain at Barcelona for a convalescent period and is expected to miss City’s fixtures against Sheffield United this Sunday and Fulham on September 2, with assistant manager Juanma Lillo intervening.
Pep Guardiola underwent routine surgery today for a back problem.
Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery and looks forward to his soon return to Manchester.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 22, 2023
City expect Guardiola to return to the dugout after the international break ahead of a visit to West Ham on 16 September.
Manchester City said in a statement: “Pep Guardiola underwent routine surgery today for a back problem.
“Recently, the Manchester City boss has been suffering from severe back pain and flew to Barcelona for emergency surgery, which was performed by Dr. Mireya Illueca. The operation was successful, now Pep will recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.
“In his absence, assistant coach Juanma Lillo will oversee the first team’s training on the training ground and take over touchline duties until Pep’s return.
“He is expected to return after his upcoming international hiatus. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery and looks forward to his soon return to Manchester.”