Pep Guardiola to miss Sheffield United, Fulham games

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will miss his side’s next two Premier League games with his return to the dugout expected after the international break. The club announced his absence in a statement on their official website.

According to the official statement from the club, Pep has been suffering from “severe back pain for some time” and flew out to Barcelona for an “emergency surgery”. The club said the operation was a “success” and the Catalan will now “rehabilitate in Barcelona”.

Taking over from the Spaniard for the two games is his assistant, Juanma Lillo. The 57-year-old former Al Sadd manager will oversee the club’s games against Sheffield United and Fulham before the September international window.

“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.”

Pep Guardiola will likely be back on the touchline for the remaining games in September as City takes on West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wonders away from home, either side of a clash with Nottingham Forest at home. City will hope to have their manager back in time for their Champions League opener in September as they begin the defence of their title.