PEP GUARDIOLA TO MISS MAN CITY'S NEXT TWO GAMES AFTER UNDERGOING BACK SURGERY IN BARCELONA.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has undergone emergency surgery on a back problem, the club confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Guardiola underwent the procedure in Barcelona, where he is now recovering well.

Based on this development, the 52-year-old Spanish tactician who made his name in the world of coaching at FC Barcelona, will miss the Man City's games away to Sheffield United on Sunday, August 27, and at home to Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on September 2.

He will “recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona”, and set to return immediately after the September international break.

In Guardiola's absence, his assistant manager, Juanma Lillo, will oversee first-team training. Lillo will also oversee the two matches which Pep is set to miss.

A statement from Man City confirmed that Pep Guardiola had to undergo an emergency back surgery which they described as a “minor” procedure after complaining of “severe” back pain.

The doctor who carried out the “minor” surgery on Guardiola, Dr. Mireia Illueca, received City’s commendation after the successful surgery.

The club’s statement added: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and looks forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”

It has already been a successful start to the 2023/24 season for Man City and Pep Guardiola. Despite losing the Community Shield to Arsenal via penalties, they won their first European Super Cup against the Europa League winners Sevilla in Athens last week after a 1-1 draw, but eventually emerged champions 5-4 win on penalties.

The last season treble winners – Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup –, are set to defend their Premier League crown having defeated Burnley 3-0 on opening day, and a narrow 1-0 win at home to Newcastle last Saturday, thanks to a fine strike from Julian Alvarez.

City sit second in the Premier League in the early stages of this campaign, level on six points with leaders Brighton and Arsenal in third.