What happened to Pep Guardiola, why will he miss the Sheffield United game?
PEP GUARDIOLA’S Manchester City side have been excellent so far this season, but they’ll have to make do without him for the next two weeks.
City beat Burnley on the opening day 3-0 before overcoming Newcastle 1-0 in a close match last weekend.
The Premier League champions take on newly-promoted Sheffield United on Sunday in their next match.
But Guardiola won’t be on the touchline for it due to an emergency medical reason.
Why is Pep Guardiola missing the Sheffield United game?
Guardiola will miss the game against Sheffield United because he has undergone emergency back surgery.
Man City released a statement which 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.
“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
Guardiola will also miss the game against Fulham on Saturday, September 2.
The international break takes place the weekend after, so Guardiola’s next appearance on the touchline will be on September 16 against West Ham.