Manchester City announces the absence of Guardiola for a period of 25 days

Manchester City announced that its coach, Pep Guardiola, will be absent until the next international break due to back surgery.

Guardiola led Manchester City in two Premier League matches in the new season, winning the first against Burnley 3-0, then defeating Newcastle United with a goal without a response.

Manchester City said in an official statement: “Pep Guardiola underwent routine surgery today to treat a back problem.”

He added, “The Manchester City coach had been suffering from severe back pain for some time recently, and he went to Barcelona for an emergency operation.”

He continued, “The surgery was successful, and Pep Guardiola will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.”

And the statement continued: “In his absence, the assistant coach, Juanma Lillo, will supervise the training of the first team and will assume his duties on the touchline until the return of Pep Guardiola.”

He continued, “It is expected that Guardiola will return after the next international break.”

And the statement concluded: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and they look forward to seeing him again in Manchester soon.”

Manchester City will play two matches against Sheffield United and Fulham on August 27 and September 2, respectively, then the leagues will stop for two weeks until the West Ham match on September 16.

This means that Pep Guardiola’s absence may extend to 25 days, from August 22 to September 16.