Following back surgery, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to miss his team’s upcoming two Premier League games.

The 52-year-old had been experiencing “severe” back pain, which prompted him to go to Barcelona for a “minor” but “emergency” procedure to solve the problem.

Juanma Lillo, the team’s assistant manager, will take charge of first-team training and serve as the team’s interim manager during games while Guardiola is away. After the international break, Guardiola is scheduled to make his anticipated return.

The club has declared the procedure, carried out by Dr. Mireia Illueca, a “success.” Guardiola, who led Manchester City to an unprecedented treble-winning season last year, will complete his recovery and rehabilitation in Barcelona.

The Manchester City team sent their best wishes for Guardiola’s quick recovery in a statement, saying, “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and looks forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”

The current Premier League season has gotten off to a bright start for Man City. They are now tied for second place in the league with Brighton, who are currently in first place, and Arsenal, who are currently in third. In their first two games, they prevailed over Burnley and Newcastle.