Why is Pep Guardiola not on the touchline for Man City against Sheffield United?

Pep Guardiola will be missing from the touchline as Manchester City take on Premier League newcomers Sheffield United this afternoon.

The treble winners have won both of their games so far this season without conceding a goal, beating Burnley and Newcastle 3-0 and 1-0 respectively. 

Guardiola will not be on the touchlineGetty

And City are looking as strong as ever as they look to mount yet another title challenge this campaign. 

They’ll be hoping to continue their perfect start against Sheff United but may be thrown off by the fact their boss won’t be on the touchline. 

Why is Guardiola not on the touchline? 

Guardiola is not on the touchline for Man City after undergoing back surgery. 

The 52-year-old is currently in his home country of Spain as he recovers from the emergency operation.

A club statement released 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.

Lillo will take over first-team responsibilities from Guardiola

“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.

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

Guardiola will miss two Man City games with assistant Lillo taking over for the fixture against Sheffield United and then Fulham. 

This means he will be absent until after the international break when he should return for City’s meeting with West Ham on September 16.