Pep Guardiola undergoes emergency surgery and will miss Man City’s next two Premier League games

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will miss the next two Premier League matches after undergoing back surgery.

The 52-year-old is recovering in his native Spain as he recovers from the routine operation.

GettyGuardiola has underwent back surgery which will see him miss City’s next two games[/caption]

GettyThe Citizens manager will be recovering in his native Spain[/caption]

In his absence, City have announced that his assistant Juanma Lillo will take over the club’s first-team duties.

And this will see Lillo be on the sidelines for the upcoming clashes against Sheffield United and Fulham.

He had only returned to the Etihad earlier this month after a spell managing Qatari side Al Sadd.

A club statement on Tuesday read: “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.

“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.

Guardiola will be absent for the matches against Sheffield United and FulhamGetty

“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”

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