Pep Guardiola will miss Manchester City’s next two games following a “routine operation” on his back on Tuesday, according to the Premier League winners.
City said that their treble-winning manager had been suffering from “severe back pain for some time” and had flown to Barcelona for “emergency” but “routine” surgery.
The Spanish manager will remain in Barcelona as he recovers from surgery and is scheduled to miss City’s games against Sheffield United on Sunday and Fulham on September 2, with assistant manager Juanma Lillo taking interim command in his absence.
City expect Guardiola, 52, to be back on the touchline after the international break for their visit to West Ham on September 16.
A Manchester City statement said: “Pep Guardiola has today (Tuesday) undergone a routine operation on a back problem.
“The Manchester City boss has been suffering from 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 the 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.”