Manchester City temporarily without suspended Pep Guardiola

Through official channels, the treble-winning team of last season has confirmed that Guardiola is not currently in England. According to the statement released by the club, the 52-year-old coach has been dealing with severe back pain for some time and has now undergone urgent surgery for it.

As long as Guardiola, who also made headlines for receiving a fine (see below), is absent, his responsibilities on the pitch and training field will be taken over by his first assistant, Juanma Lillo. The English powerhouse expects to have the coach back after the international break, which means that Lillo will at least take charge during the Premier League matches against Sheffield United (August 27) and Fulham (September 2).

It's now up to Lillo to continue the reigning champion's perfect start to the season. In the first two matches against Burnley (away, 0-3) and Newcastle United (home, 1-0), The Citizens secured six points without conceding a single goal. However, they did lose the Community Shield final to Arsenal in a penalty shootout. In the penalty shootout against Sevilla in the Super Cup match, City did come out on top.