PEP GUARDIOLA has undergone emergency back surgery.

And he is set to miss Manchester City’s next two matches.

Pep Guardiola had emergency surgery on his back in Barcelona

Dr Mireia Illueca performed the operation on the Man City manager

The Spaniard, 52, needed the operation to help deal with “severe pain” that he had been experiencing for “some time”.

And he took a plane to Barcelona to have surgery with the Barcelona Spine Institute’s Dr. Mireia Illueca.

Guardiola will now spend some time recuperating in his own country, City said, just hours after video of the manager receiving a parking penalty in Manchester surfaced online.

The Premier League champions said: “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.”

Guardiola is expected to be absent for Sunday’s trip to Sheffield United as well as the home clash with Fulham on September 2.

And that could mean the Treble-winning coach may not be in the dugout until City face West Ham away on September 16.

Due to his weak English proficiency, it is unknown if Lillo would interact with the media. Instead, he will be in charge of directing the players on the sidelines.

The 57-year-old joined City as Mikel Arteta’s replacement in 2020 after starting his coaching career back in 1981, working for teams in Spain, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, and China.

After two years, he accepted the position of manager at Saudi club Al-Sadd to succeed Javi Gracia, however this year he returned to the Etihad after Enzo Maresca left for Leicester.

With victories over Burnley and Newcastle, City has had a flawless start to the year.

Guardiola even enjoyed a humorous exchange with a supporter who was criticising his changes in the game’s closing moments.

Antonio Conte missed four Tottenham matches last season when he was rushed to hospital and needed gallbladder surgery.

Guardiola is resting up in Spain after the surgery at the Barcelona Spine Institute

Juanma Lillo will be in charge of the City team in Guardiola’s absence