PEP GUARDIOLA’S Manchester City side have been excellent so far this season, but they’ll have to make do without him for this weekend’s clash against Fulham.
City beat Burnley on the opening day 3-0 before overcoming Newcastle 1-0 in a close match last weekend.
The Premier League champions then beat newly-promoted Sheffield United last weekend courtesy of a late Rodri winner.
But Guardiola wasn’t in attendance, and he wont be at the Etihad on Saturday.
Why is Pep Guardiola missing the Fulham game?
Guardiola will miss the game against Fulham 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.”
The international break takes place after this weekend, so Guardiola’s next appearance on the touchline will be on September 16 against West Ham.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk