Pep Guardiola will miss Manchester City’s next two Premier League matches after undergoing back surgery in Barcelona.
A statement from the Premier League champions said their coach had been struggling with back pain for some time and had undergone emergency surgery in Barcelona.
Guardiola’s surgery was a success but he will continue his rehabilitation in the city. The 52-year-old is not expected to return to the touchline for Man City until after the international break, meaning he will miss this Sunday’s trip to Sheffield United, live. . sports sky, as well as Fulham’s visit on September 2.
Sunday August 27 1:00pm
Departure at 2pm
In his absence, Juanma Lillo – who only returned to the club as assistant coach earlier this month after spending time as Al Sadd coach in Qatar – will be in charge of coaching and matches. for the treble winners.
Man City has never had Pep before…
This is not the first time City have faced a manager absence since Guardiola first arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016.
A Champions League ban in mid-2018 meant that Guardiola put Mikel Arteta in charge of Lyon’s trip in September of that year, a group stage match City lost 2-1.
Then, in early 2022, Guardiola missed the FA Cup third round match at Swindon Town due to corona virus infection.
Both Guardiola and assistant Lillo were left out of the match so assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell was in charge of the match. City won the match 4-1 despite having 14 behind-the-scenes staff and 7 first-team players in isolation because of Covid-19.
Doku went to see a doctor for Man City
Belgium’s Jeremy Doku in action
Meanwhile, City have agreed a £55.5m deal to sign Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, who is expected to travel to the north-west on Tuesday to check in. medical check.
The Belgium international has been linked with a number of Premier League sides this summer and is now set to join the champions.
City are looking for a winger to replace Riyad Mahrez, who arrived in Saudi Arabia after City’s treble-winning season.
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If Doku completes his move to the Etihad Stadium, he will become Pep Guardiola’s third signing this summer, following Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
Doku scored for Rennes in the opening Ligue 1 match against Metz, following the six goals he scored last season.
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