Pep Guardiola has back surgery in Barcelona and will miss two Man City matches after suffering ‘severe pain for some time’

Pep Guardiola will be absent for Manchester City’s upcoming matches against Sheffield United and Fulham after undergoing back surgery.

The City manager flew to Barcelona for an operation on a minor issue that has been bothering him for some time and will now endure a period of recovery before returning to work.

Guardiola travelled back to his home nation where he went under the knife for ’emergency surgery’ and came through the procedure successfully.

The 52-year-old has been in the dugout for opening Premier League victories over Burnley and Newcastle, along with travelling to Greece for the UEFA Supercup, but will miss upcoming fixtures. 

In a statement announcing the news on Tuesday, the club stated: ‘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,’ City added.

‘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.’