Guardiola to miss two games after back operation
LONDON, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) —
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola will miss his side’s next two Premier League games as he recovers from a back operation.
The club confirmed on their website that Guardiola had been struggling with back pain for a while and needed surgery in Barcelona.
“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,” the website informed.
Lillo, who returned to the club this summer after coaching Al Sadd in Qatar, will be in charge for Sunday’s short trip to play Sheffield United and a home match against Fulham on September 2.
Manchester City have also agreed a fee with French side Rennes to sign winger Jeremy Doku, who is viewed as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez after his move to Saudi Arabia and will have a medical in the coming days.
