Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City return date revealed after undergoing emergency surgery

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to return to the City Football Academy this week, after a period away from the club.

Guardiola has been absent from the Manchester City dugout for Premier League victories against both Sheffield United and Fulham, after returning to Catalonia last month to undergo emergency back surgery.

The 52-year-old had an operation just three days after a 1-0 win over Newcastle United, with the surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca in Barcelona.

Manchester City assistant manager Juanma Lillo, who returned to the Etihad Stadium from Qatari side Al-Sadd in the summer, took charge of the treble-winners in the absence of Guardiola.

Lillo oversaw wins against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City extended their winning start to the Premier League season to four matches.

Rodri smashed the Sky Blues to a dramatic late win in south Yorkshire, meanwhile Erling Haaland’s seventh Manchester City hat-trick helped the treble-winners to an emphatic 5-1 win over Fulham.

Manchester City return to action on Saturday, facing an unbeaten West Ham United side at the London Stadium.

The Hammers, who have beaten both Chelsea and Brighton already this season, are one of four teams sat on 10 points after four matches.

David Moyes’ team haven’t beaten the Blues in the Premier League since 2015, but Guardiola’s side have won on just one of their past four visits to the London Stadium.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to be in the dugout for this weekend’s clash in east London, with Jack Gaughan reporting that the 52-year-old is expected to return to the United Kingdom on Wednesday.

Guardiola’s return was initially scheduled for after the September international break, three weeks after undergoing back surgery.

Members of the first-team squad are also reportedly due back at the City Football Academy on Wednesday, returning from international duty ahead of upcoming Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches.