Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will miss Premier League matches due to an emergency medical condition.
A shock report conveyed by Manchester City club statement revealed Pep Guardiola has been flown to Barcelona where he underwent a back surgery.
The report revealed Guardiola has been struggling with a back injury of late and had chosen to undertake the emergency medical trip to Barcelona for the surgery.
He was reportedly attended to by Barcelona chief medical personnel Mirella Illueca, who conducted the operation successfully and is overseeing the rehabilitation process.
“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,” Man City club statement reads.
The report came as a shock although the club confirmed Guardiola has been grappling with the problem while looking tone up in all matches.
Leading Manchester City to a historic treble last season, Pep Guardiola was on the dugout in all games. He led the team through the preseason tour in top shape, and was also at the dugout in the opening Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Newcastle United.
The Spanish tactician was expected at the dugout in Manchester City’s next Premier game against Sheffield United but has now been ruled out. His assistant Juanma Lillo will take charge at the dugout until his return.
The club did not disclose how long it will take Pep Guardiola to return to the dugout but BBC reports he will be out at least for two weeks.
This means he will also miss the game against Fulham after the game against Sheffield United.
Gaurdiola faces a huge task of replicating last season’s successes with Manchester City after leading the club to their first treble and his second as manager.
He also already overseen two Premier League wins as he sets out for the new campaign and will be hoping to win the Premier League title for the fourth time in a row.
While Manchester City’s rise has been linked to the club’s huge financial outlay in the past years, Pep Guardiola retains the credit for the unprecedented transformation of City to a world-class club and European giants.
Since taking over as Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has overseen 417 matches, winning 302, drawing 57, and losing 58 with a win percentage of 72.
Under his watch, Manchester City have stamped their dominance over English domestic competitions and are now giants on the European stage.
Guardiola led City to a historic treble of the Premier League title, FA Cup, and the Champions League.
He has won 5 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cup, 4 EFL Cup, 2 Community Shield, Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup.
Guardiola has two years remaining in his Manchester City contract after signing an extension last summer and will hope to return to the dugout with the Citizens soon.
