Pep Guardiola flown to hospital for 'emergency surgery'
Pep Guardiola was flown to hospital in Spain for 'emergency surgery'
PA
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola underwent emergency surgery on his back today after "suffering with severe back pain for some time".
In a statement on its website, the reigning treble holders said: "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.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland (right) and manager Pep Guardiola pose for a photo with the UEFA Super Cup trophy
PA
"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."
The former Barcelona defensive midfielder, who won silverware at the Nou Camp and at the Allianz Arena as Bayern Munich's boss, will hand control of the Citizens to Juanmo Lillo.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) with assistants Juanma Lillo (centre) and Rodolfo Borrell during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
PA
Manchester City return to Premier League action on Sunday against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Guardiola, 52, is not expected to return to the touchline until after the international break.
The Spaniard will therefore miss City's return to the Etihad Stadium against West London club Fulham on September 2.
Lillo returned to Manchester City as assistant manager earlier this month after undergoing a spell as Al Aadd manager in Qatar.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) with assistants Juanma Lillo (centre) and Rodolfo Borrell during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
PA
Guardiola was previously missing from touchline action in 2018 after he faced a brief Champions League ban.
Mikel Arteta, who fell short of winning Arsenal's first league title since 2003 last season, stood in for his then-boss as City lost their group stage game against French club Lyon.
Guardiola also missed Manchester City's third round FA Cup tie against one-time Premier League club Swindon Town in 2022 after contracting coronavirus.
City, who romped to a 4-1 victory over the League Two club, were left in the hands of assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell.
The Citizens were also missing 14 backroom staff and seven first-team players due to COVID-19.