Coach Guardiola returns to Manchester City after emergency back surgery

Due to the surgery, Guardiola missed the victorious league matches against Sheffield United (1-2) and Fulham (5-1). Assistant Juanma Lillo took the helm during the head coach's absence.

Last weekend, there was no match scheduled for Manchester City due to the international break. The top club resumes the Premier League season on Saturday with an away game against West Ham United.

City is currently leading the English league with twelve points from four matches. West Ham is in fourth place with ten points. City will kick off the group stage of the Champions League next Tuesday with a home game against Serbia's Red Star.

Guardiola guided City to the league title, the FA Cup victory, and the Champions League final win last season. The coach has been at the helm in the Etihad Stadium since 2016. He previously managed FC Barcelona (2008-2012) and Bayern Munich (2013-2016).